PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Chinese warships have been stationed at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base for over five months, raising concerns about the permanence of their presence.
Despite assurances from Cambodia’s Defense Ministry that this does not constitute a permanent deployment of the Chinese military, questions persist about the significance of their extended stay.
Satellite images confirm the presence of two Chinese corvettes at the naval base, sparking speculation about China’s intentions in the strategically important Gulf of Thailand region. The base, undergoing expansion with Chinese funding, has fueled fears that it could serve as a new outpost for the Chinese navy, a notion Cambodia vehemently denies.
According to Defense Ministry spokesperson Gen. Chhum Socheat, the ships will participate in joint military exercises with Cambodia later this month and are training Cambodian sailors.
“We have been clear that Cambodia is not allowing any foreign forces to be deployed on its territory,” he said. “That won’t happen; that point is in our Constitution and we are fully following it.”
Socheat explained that the ships are also evaluating the new pier and showcasing their capabilities to Cambodia, which is considering similar acquisitions for its navy. “The ships are docked for the training period only, they are not staying permanently,” he said.
Controversy surrounding the Ream Naval Base emerged in 2019 amid reports of a purported agreement granting China a 30-year lease. Cambodia’s then-Prime Minister Hun Sen denied the existence of such an agreement, asserting that Cambodia welcomes ships from all nations but prohibits foreign military bases.
While Cambodia’s Constitution prohibits foreign military bases, concerns remain about the potential implications of China’s involvement in the base’s expansion. The base’s proximity to the South China Sea and the Malacca Straits adds geopolitical significance to the situation, amid ongoing disputes over territorial claims and freedom of navigation.
The United States has closely monitored developments at the Ream Naval Base, conducting military maneuvers in the region to assert the international nature of these waters. However, Cambodia maintains that it upholds its constitutional principles and welcomes ships from all countries for visits.
Despite assurances from Cambodian officials, observers remain vigilant, particularly in light of China’s expanding overseas military presence. While China currently operates only one acknowledged foreign military base in Djibouti, its activities in Cambodia raise questions about its broader regional strategic objectives.
