Category: Asia, News

Chinese Military Presence Expands in Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base

Chinese Military Presence Expands in Cambodia's Ream Naval Base

Recent satellite images have sparked concerns in Washington over China’s expanding military footprint in Cambodia. At the center of these concerns are two Type A56 corvettes, 1,500-ton warships of the Chinese navy, anchored at the Ream naval base. The vessels are docked alongside a newly constructed Chinese-built pier, designed to accommodate much larger ships. On land, Chinese-funded buildings have also been established, raising questions about the base’s true purpose.

Despite these developments, Cambodia has consistently denied that Ream is a Chinese military base, citing its constitution, which prohibits permanent foreign military installations. Cambodian officials claim that Ream is open to friendly navies, including China’s, for joint training and military exercises.

“Please understand, this is a Cambodian base, not a Chinese one,” says Seun Sam, a Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. He emphasizes that Cambodia needs external military support, especially from China, due to its limited capabilities.

However, skeptics remain wary of these explanations. China, known for its growing military might, currently operates only one overseas base in Djibouti. But with China’s ambitions to become a global military power and its Belt and Road Initiative, many believe that China’s footprint is expanding beyond its disputed islands in the South China Sea. The Ream base could be the beginning of a broader strategic effort.

Changing Dynamics of Cambodia’s Naval Ties

Not long ago, Ream was upgraded with US assistance as part of a broader military cooperation agreement between Cambodia and the US. However, in 2017, following Cambodia’s political shift and increasing reliance on Chinese aid, US-Cambodia ties weakened. Cambodia canceled joint military exercises with the US and shifted its focus to Chinese-backed initiatives like the “Golden Dragon” exercises.

In 2020, Chinese-backed construction projects began at Ream, including the demolition of two US-funded facilities. A Chinese-built pier identical to one in Djibouti was completed, raising suspicions about China’s long-term intentions. Since then, Chinese naval ships have been seen regularly at Ream, although Cambodian officials maintain that these visits are part of joint exercises.

Strategic Importance and Regional Concerns

While Cambodia continues to deny claims that Ream has been leased to China, analysts note that Chinese ships have been frequently stationed at the base. According to Kirsten Gunness of the Rand Corporation, China could be circumventing Cambodia’s constitutional restrictions by rotating forces instead of establishing a permanent base.

For Cambodia’s neighbors, such as Vietnam and Thailand, China’s increased presence at Ream is cause for concern. Vietnam, which disputes China’s claims in the South China Sea, could view this base as an attempt to encircle its coastline. Thailand, too, worries about the strategic implications of a Chinese naval base near its own southern ports.

Despite these tensions, both countries remain cautious about voicing public criticism, mindful of their economic ties to China. At the same time, US strategists are more focused on the potential for China to establish further military outposts in the Indian Ocean, such as in Sri Lanka or Pakistan.

Conclusion: A Growing Global Military Footprint?

While the Ream base may not yet rival the military reach of the US, it marks a significant shift in China’s regional strategy. China’s military presence in Cambodia, coupled with its South China Sea installations, shows that its ambitions extend beyond its borders. Whether Ream will serve as a permanent Chinese naval hub remains to be seen, but its current expansion certainly highlights China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia.