Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base expansion, financed by China, is set to open on April 2, with its first foreign warship, a Japanese vessel. This project has drawn U.S. concerns over Chinese military influence. Defense analysts note Cambodia’s intention to show openness to other nations. The Cambodian government maintains it will allow docking by friendly nations, despite previous fears about exclusive Chinese use.

Cambodia has completed the expansion of its Ream Naval Base, a project financed by China, which has raised apprehensions about Beijing’s military influence in the region. This port will welcome its first foreign warship, a Japanese vessel, as part of its inauguration set for April 2, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet. Major General Thong Solimo, spokesman for Cambodia’s armed forces, emphasized that, “Giving priority to Japanese warships … is a tribute to the high level of openness in cooperation, relations and mutual trust.”

The project began in 2022, inciting concerns from the United States that it could serve as a key forward position for the Chinese navy within the strategically significant Gulf of Thailand. This region is nearby the South China Sea, which China claims dominantly, leading to ongoing U.S. military maneuvers to assert that these seas remain international waters. Following previous trepidations about Chinese warships docking at the new pier, the presence of Japanese destroyers being redirected to another facility created further anxiety.

Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, notes that Japan’s upcoming port call signals Cambodia’s intention to showcase its openness towards nations beyond China, asserting that, “This would appear to be a conscious demonstration by Cambodia, that Ream is not exclusively for” China’s military.

While Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force has confirmed its invitation to dock, they withheld specific details due to operational security protocols. The relationship with China remains complex as it serves as Cambodia’s primary investor and political ally, but suspicions regarding the Ream base’s military use arose after reports indicated a potential long-term agreement with China.

The Cambodian government has rebuffed claims of granting military concessions to China, despite their military presence, funding involvement, and warship docking at the base. Recently, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry announced that China would provide Cambodia’s navy with two warships while the base expansion was still underway. General Chhum Socheat expressed that the facility will remain accessible to the U.S. and other allied nations, stating, “All warships from friendly countries are allowed to dock at the new pier but they must comply to our conditions first,” although he did not elaborate on these conditions.

In summary, the opening of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, funded by China but hosting Japanese vessels, illustrates the complexities of regional geopolitics. The project raises significant concerns regarding China’s increasing military presence, while also reflecting Cambodia’s diplomatic balancing act. The facility aims to portray openness to various international partners, although the underlying tensions with the U.S. and potential Chinese military implications linger.

Original Source: www.newsday.com

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