Sat Apr 05 15:10:42 UTC 2025: ## Cambodia Inaugurates Chinese-Renovated Naval Base Amidst US Concerns

**Phnom Penh, Cambodia –** Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated a newly renovated naval base in Sihanoukville on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, dismissing international concerns about China’s significant role in the upgrade. The Ream Naval Base’s expansion, largely funded and overseen by China, has raised anxieties in the United States, which fears it could grant China a strategic foothold in the Gulf of Thailand and near the disputed South China Sea.

Prime Minister Manet insisted the base would be open to all nations for joint military exercises, directly addressing US concerns that it would be exclusively used by the Chinese navy. He stated that the inauguration was intended to quell doubts and emphasized, “We have nothing to hide at all.” A senior Chinese military official, Gen. Cao Qingfeng, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the “iron-clad friendship” between Cambodia and China and the base’s role in bolstering regional security. The base will host joint exercises, including the annual Golden Dragon drills in May.

The US has expressed concern since 2019 over the increasing Chinese influence at the Ream base, which was initially partly funded by the US. Reports suggest a secret deal allowed China to dock warships there, with Chinese warships first docking at the expanded pier in late 2023. Furthermore, Cambodia is set to receive two warships from China.

Despite these concerns, the US has also taken steps to improve its relationship with Cambodia. A US warship visited Sihanoukville in December 2024 for the first time in eight years, followed by a visit from a senior US army commander in February 2025. Cambodia also announced that a Japanese warship will be the first foreign vessel to dock at the renovated base.

The inauguration ceremony included military representatives from several countries, with China sending a large delegation. Prime Minister Manet also confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Cambodia later this month. This event underscores the deepening relationship between Cambodia and China, further strengthening China’s influence in Southeast Asia.

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