Recent satellite images have revealed two Chinese A56 corvettes at Cambodia’s Ream naval base, raising concerns in Washington about China’s growing military presence in Southeast Asia.
These 1,500-ton warships are docked at a newly constructed pier, designed to accommodate even larger vessels, alongside other facilities developed by China, which is believed to support the Chinese navy.
Is Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base a Chinese Military Base?
Despite the evident signs of Chinese military expansion, the Cambodian government claims that the Ream remains a Cambodian facility.
“Please understand this is a Cambodian, not a Chinese base. Cambodia is very small, and our military capacities are limited.”
Seun Sam, a Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia
He further added, “We need more training from outside friends, especially from China.” However, this claim is viewed with doubt by international analysts.
How Does China’s Growing Military Infrastructure Impact Regional Dynamics?
China’s naval power has significantly increased in recent years, now surpassing the United States in terms of ship count. The U.S. operates approximately 750 military bases globally, whereas China currently has only one overseas base in Djibouti, established in 2016. Experts express concern that the expansion of Chinese infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative could eventually lead to a network of military bases, with Ream possibly becoming one of the first.
What Led to the Shift in Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base Military Partnerships?
Recently, Ream was being upgraded with U.S. assistance, as part of a broader military assistance initiative. However, due to political repression in Cambodia and a subsequent reduction in the U.S. military aid post-2017, Cambodia shifted its focus towards China. The shift was evident as the Cambodian government canceled joint military exercises with the U.S. and commenced the ‘Golden Dragon’ exercise with China, indicating a notable change in its defense strategy.
What Are the Concerns About Chinese Activities at Ream?
The United States has voiced significant concern regarding the growing military activity at Ream. Satellite imagery shows the construction of a new pier, along with a dry dock, warehouses, and administrative offices.
Reports have circulated about a potential 30-year lease agreement between Cambodia and China. The agreement allegedly allows the deployment of Chinese military forces. Cambodia refutes these allegations as misinformation. The exclusive docking rights for Chinese vessels still raise questions about the true purpose of the base.
Are Other Countries Concerned by the China’s Ream Naval Base?
The implications of the Chinese military at Ream extend beyond Cambodia’s borders. Thailand and Vietnam are closely monitoring these developments, as a base at Ream could threaten their national security. Vietnam has historically clashed with China over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Thai officials express concern over the prospect of a Chinese base near their primary naval port.
What’s Next for U.S. and Indian Strategists?
U.S. and Indian strategists are cautious about the possibility of Chinese bases expanding into the Indian Ocean like the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota. A Chinese state-owned company acquired a 99-year lease for the Sri Lankan port of Hambantota in 2017. Additionally, the port of Gwadar in Pakistan has also been redeveloped with Chinese funding. Although the Ream base may not significantly bolster China’s naval strength, it could serve as an intelligence-gathering hub.
The director of the CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Greg Poling said, “The Ream base does not add much in the way of power projection – it doesn’t get the Chinese navy any closer to places it wants to go,”.
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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