Cambodia Grants Japan Visitation Rights to Controversial Ream Naval Base
Cambodia has announced that Japan will be granted visitation rights to the Ream Naval Base, amidst concerns from the United States about China’s military presence. Following upgrades funded by Beijing, the base has seen frequent visits from Chinese vessels, while Cambodia has denied any secret agreements with China.
On Friday, Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen announced that Japan would be permitted to visit the Ream Naval Base, a strategic facility that has raised concerns in the United States regarding its potential transformation into a military outpost for China. Since a significant upgrade financed by Beijing began in June 2022, Chinese naval vessels have frequently visited the base. Despite these developments, Cambodia has firmly denied any allegations of a covert agreement with China to establish a permanent military presence at the site. This upgrade followed the controversial demolition of a U.S.-constructed facility at Ream in 2020, when Cambodia opted against a proposal from Washington to refurbish the structure.
The Ream Naval Base has been at the center of geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. Following a considerable upgrade funded by China, which started in mid-2022, the base has facilitated the frequent docking of Chinese military ships. The U.S. government has expressed unease over the growing Chinese influence in Cambodia, as Cambodia’s recent actions, including the destruction of American infrastructure, suggest a pivot towards Beijing. The Cambodian government has publicly dismissed claims of any strategic alliance that could see Chinese military forces stationed at Ream.
In conclusion, Cambodia’s decision to allow Japan visitation rights to the Ream Naval Base underlines the shifting dynamics within Southeast Asia’s strategic landscape. The recent upgrades and continued visits by Chinese military vessels bring into sharp focus the concerns of the United States regarding potential Chinese militarization in the region. Cambodia’s denials regarding a secret agreement with China suggest an attempt to balance diplomatic relations amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
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