Cambodia's Defense Ministry clarified on Wednesday that the presence of two Chinese warships at the Ream Naval Base does not signify a permanent deployment of the Chinese military in the country. The two Chinese corvettes have been docked at the naval base since December and are set to participate in a joint Cambodian-Chinese military exercise later this month. The Defense Ministry emphasized that Cambodia does not allow foreign forces to be stationed on its territory, in accordance with its Constitution.
The Ream Naval Base, which is being expanded with funding from Beijing, has raised concerns among the United States and others about the potential for it to become a Chinese naval outpost in the Gulf of Thailand. However, Cambodian officials have reiterated that foreign military bases are not permitted in the country.
The controversy surrounding the naval base dates back to 2019 when reports surfaced about a purported agreement that would grant China a 30-year use of the base. Cambodia's leadership, including the current Prime Minister Hun Sen and his son Hun Manet, have denied the existence of such an agreement and reiterated the country's stance on foreign military presence.
While the two Chinese warships have been stationed at the Ream Naval Base for several months, Cambodian officials have stated that this is temporary and part of training exercises. The base's strategic location near the South China Sea and the Malacca Straits has drawn international attention, especially in the context of China's maritime ambitions.
Despite concerns raised by various reports, including those from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Cambodia remains firm in its position that the naval base will not serve as a permanent Chinese military facility. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with major powers like the United States closely monitoring developments in Southeast Asia.
