China's Renovated Naval Base in Cambodia Sparks Global Interest

Hun Manet Opens Ream Naval Base, Signaling Strong Ties with China and Inviting International Participation

In a move drawing international attention, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated a naval base renovated in recent years with significant Chinese investment. The ceremony at Ream Naval Base, located off Cambodia’s southern coast, was attended by military representatives from several nations and a delegation from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

The United States has previously expressed concerns that the base could give China a strategic foothold in the Gulf of Thailand, near the contested South China Sea. The US has also raised questions about the nature of China's involvement.

The upgrades include a new pier capable of accommodating larger vessels and a dry dock for repairs, among other enhancements. Cambodian officials have consistently denied any exclusive use of the base by a single foreign power.

During the inauguration, Hun Manet stated there was "nothing to hide" regarding the base’s development and emphasized the importance of transparency. He announced that the base would be open to all friendly nations for joint exercises and docking, not just for Beijing.

Hun Manet praised Xi Jinping's (習近平) government for their help in the expansion and strengthening of bilateral relations. The ceremony was timed to precede an upcoming visit to Cambodia by Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平).

Cao Qingfeng (曹青鋒), a senior member of the Chinese Central Military Commission, highlighted the "iron-clad friendship" between China and Cambodia, emphasizing the base’s role in bolstering regional security and promoting joint military exercises, including the upcoming Golden Dragon drills.

A contingent of over 100 Chinese sailors stationed at the base participated in the ceremony, further illustrating the close relationship. Furthermore, Cambodia announced that a Japanese warship would be the first to dock at the base.