Cambodia’s Naval Expansion and China’s Growing Influence

The completion of a Chinese-funded expansion of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base has sparked significant attention in the Indo-Pacific region. The project, which includes a new pier capable of accommodating larger ships, a dry dock for repairs, and other advanced facilities, was officially completed in early 2024. Cambodian officials announced that the base will be inaugurated on April 2 by Prime Minister Hun Manet. The first foreign warship to visit the expanded facility will be a Japanese vessel, marking a symbolic gesture of Cambodia’s efforts to maintain openness and balance in its international relations.

The Ream Naval Base, located on the Gulf of Thailand, has been a point of concern for regional and global powers due to its strategic importance. The Gulf is adjacent to the South China Sea, a critical waterway that China claims almost entirely, despite overlapping claims from other regional states and international objections. The United States, in particular, has expressed concerns that the base could serve as a strategic outpost for the Chinese navy, reinforcing Beijing’s growing military presence in the region.

The Ream Naval Base Expansion: Details and Significance

The expansion of the Ream Naval Base began in 2022 with Chinese funding, raising eyebrows in Washington and other capitals. The project has significantly enhanced the base’s capabilities, with the addition of a state-of-the-art pier and a dry dock for ship repairs. These upgrades not only improve Cambodia’s naval capabilities but also make the facility appealing to other nations seeking to dock their vessels in the region.

The timing of the project’s completion has been closely watched, as it coincides with heightened tensions in the South China Sea. The U.S. has long refused to recognize China’s expansive maritime claims and regularly conducts military exercises in the area to underscore its commitment to freedom of navigation. The concern is that the Ream Naval Base could become a key location for China’s naval operations, further solidifying its influence in Southeast Asia.

Strategic Concerns in the South China Sea

The South China Sea is one of the world’s most contested waterways, with China asserting sovereignty over nearly the entire region. This has led to friction with neighboring countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, as well as with the U.S., which views the area as a critical component of global trade and security. The Ream Naval Base, located on the Gulf of Thailand, is strategically positioned to provide China with easier access to the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The U.S. has been vocal about its opposition to China’s growing military presence in the region, arguing that it undermines regional stability and threatens the principle of freedom of navigation. The potential use of the Ream Naval Base by Chinese warships has only added to these concerns. In 2019, reports emerged that China could be granted a 30-year lease to use the base, allowing it to station troops, store weapons, and dock warships there. While Cambodia has denied these claims, the perception of China’s influence over the base persists.

Japan’s Port Call and Cambodia’s Balancing Act

In an apparent effort to counterbalance perceptions of Chinese dominance at the Ream Naval Base, Cambodia has invited Japan to send a warship to the facility. This marks the first time a foreign warship will dock at the expanded base, and it is seen as a deliberate move by Phnom Penh to demonstrate its openness to other nations. According to Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, this gesture is a "conscious demonstration" by Cambodia that the base is not exclusively for China’s use.

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force has confirmed the invitation, although details of the visit remain under wraps due to operational security concerns. The move is significant, as it highlights Cambodia’s efforts to navigate its relationships with major powers, including China, the U.S., and Japan. By inviting a Japanese warship, Cambodia is signaling that it is not aligning exclusively with Beijing, despite China’s status as its largest investor and closest political partner.

Cambodia’s Position Amidst Geopolitical Rivalries

Cambodia’s relations with China have grown increasingly close in recent years, with Beijing emerging as Phnom Penh’s largest investor and a key partner in infrastructure development. However, this relationship has also raised concerns about Cambodia’s autonomy and its ability to maintain a balanced foreign policy. The Ream Naval Base expansion has become a focal point of these debates, with critics arguing that Cambodia risks becoming too dependent on China.

Despite these concerns, Cambodian officials have repeatedly denied allegations that the base will be used exclusively by China or that it will serve as a Chinese military outpost. Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Chhum Socheat emphasized that the facility is open to warships from "friendly countries," provided they meet certain conditions. He also noted that Cambodia intends to allow vessels from the U.S. and other nations to use the base in the future.

The Future of the Ream Naval Base and Its Implications

The completion of the Ream Naval Base expansion and the upcoming inauguration mark a significant milestone in Cambodia’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities. However, the facility’s future use and the extent of China’s involvement remain uncertain. While Cambodia has sought to reassure the international community that the base will remain open to multiple countries, the perception of Chinese influence lingers.

The Ream Naval Base is poised to become a symbol of the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in Southeast Asia. As China continues to expand its military presence in the region, other powers, including the U.S. and Japan, are likely to pay close attention to Cambodia’s decisions regarding the base. The ability of Cambodia to maintain its independence and navigate these complex relationships will be crucial in shaping the region’s security landscape.

In the coming years, the Ream Naval Base will likely be a focal point of international attention, as its use and accessibility to different nations will have significant implications for regional stability and