Cambodia Set to Inaugurate Chinese-Renovated Naval Base Amid Regional Tensions

A New Strategic Hub in the Making

Cambodia is set to officially unveil a newly renovated naval base next month, a project that has garnered significant attention in the region and beyond. The base, located in Ream, off the country’s southern coast, has been upgraded with the support of China, a move that has raised eyebrows in Washington. The U.S. has expressed concerns that the facility could provide Beijing with a strategic foothold in the Gulf of Thailand, near the highly contested South China Sea.
Major General Thong Solimo, a spokesman for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), confirmed that the first phase of the Ream base would be inaugurated on April 2. He also revealed that a Japanese warship is expected to be the first foreign vessel to dock at the facility, signaling Cambodia’s intent to maintain its ties with other regional powers even as it deepens its relationship with China.

Strategic Implications and Regional Concerns

The Ream naval base has become a focal point of geopolitical intrigue. Its proximity to the South China Sea, a body of water claimed almost entirely by China, has led to speculation about its potential use as a strategic outpost for Beijing. The U.S. has been vocal about its concerns, fearing that the base could be leveraged by China to bolster its influence in the region.
Cambodian officials, however, have sought to downplay these concerns. General Chhum Socheat, a spokesman for the defense ministry, emphasized that the base would be open to ships from "friends of Cambodia," provided they meet certain conditions. While he did not explicitly mention the U.S., his remarks suggested that American vessels could also be allowed to use the facility in the future.

A Balancing Act: Cambodia’s Diplomatic Tightrope

Cambodia’s decision to allow a Japanese warship to be the first to dock at Ream is a calculated move to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining balanced relations with multiple powers. The Japanese military attaché was informed of the inauguration schedule during a meeting with RCAF Commander-in-chief Vong Pisen, underscoring the importance Cambodia places on its ties with Tokyo.
However, the renovation of the base by China has undeniably strengthened Phnom Penh’s alignment with Beijing. Over the years, Cambodia has emerged as one of China’s most reliable allies in Southeast Asia, a relationship cemented by billions of dollars in Chinese infrastructure investments. This has come at a time when Cambodia’s relations with the U.S. have grown increasingly strained, particularly under the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been succeeded by his son, Hun Manet.

Cambodia’s Deepening Ties with China

The inauguration of the Ream naval base represents the latest milestone in Cambodia’s growing partnership with China. Beijing has invested heavily in Cambodia’s infrastructure, from roads and bridges to ports and factories, as part of its broader strategy to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. This economic largesse has not only strengthened Cambodia’s economy but also deepened its political and military ties with China.
The renovation of the Ream base is a testament to this growing collaboration. While Cambodian officials have been quick to emphasize that the facility is not exclusively for Chinese use, the project has undeniably enhanced China’s ability to project power in the region. For Beijing, the base offers a strategic vantage point in the Gulf of Thailand, providing a potential staging ground for operations in the South China Sea.

Cambodia’s Fraying Relationship with the U.S.

While Cambodia has taken steps to maintain its ties with other regional actors like Japan, its relationship with the U.S. has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Under former Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia increasingly aligned itself with China, a shift that has been reinforced under his son and successor, Hun Manet. The U.S., which has long been critical of Cambodia’s human rights record and democratic backsliding, has seen its influence in Phnom Penh wane as China’s star has risen.
The Ream naval base has become a symbol of this divergence. While the U.S. has expressed concerns about the facility’s potential use by China, Cambodian officials have sought to reassure Washington that the base is not a threat to regional stability. The U.S. will likely be watching closely to see whether Cambodia follows through on its commitment to allow American vessels to use the facility.

A Regional Power Play with Global Implications

The inauguration of the Ream naval base is more than just a local event; it is a microcosm of the broader strategic competition unfolding in Southeast Asia. As China continues to expand its influence, countries like Cambodia are finding themselves increasingly drawn into the orbit of the regional giant. At the same time, they must navigate the complex web of relationships with other powers, including the U.S. and Japan, to avoid being caught in the crossfire of great-power rivalry.
For Cambodia, the challenge will be to maintain its sovereignty and independence while leveraging its relationships with larger powers to secure its economic and security interests. The coming months will reveal whether the Ream naval base becomes a symbol of Cambodia’s agile diplomacy or a flashpoint in the region’s increasingly tense geopolitics.