Is China Establishing a Permanent Military Presence in Cambodia?

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In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s Ream naval base has become a focal point in the escalating strategic competition between the United States and China. Satellite imagery has revealed the presence of two grey shapes—A56 corvettes of the Chinese navy—berthing alongside a newly constructed pier that could accommodate much larger vessels. This development has ignited fears in Washington that China is expanding its military footprint beyond its fortified positions in the South China Sea.

The corvettes, weighing in at 1,500 tonnes, are indicative of a growing Chinese naval presence in the region. Onshore, facilities built by China further suggest that Ream is becoming more than just a friendly port. Yet, the Cambodian government insists that the base remains open to all navies, maintaining its stance that it prohibits a permanent foreign military presence under its constitution. “Please understand this is a Cambodian, not a Chinese base,” emphasized Seun Sam, a Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. He elaborated, “Cambodia is very small, and our military capacities are limited. We need more training from outside friends, especially from China.”

While Cambodia seeks to affirm its sovereignty, the situation has drawn skepticism from the United States and its allies. Historically, China has operated only one overseas military base—in Djibouti, established in 2016. In contrast, the United States boasts around 750 bases globally, with significant installations in regions close to China, such as Japan and South Korea. However, analysts in Washington are increasingly concerned about China’s aspirations to expand its military reach, especially given its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which requires that infrastructure be built to military standards.

The Ream naval base marks a critical juncture in this narrative. Previously, the base was upgraded with US assistance, reflecting the strategic partnership between the two nations. However, following a political crackdown in Cambodia in 2017, which saw the banning of the opposition party, the Cambodian government shifted its allegiances. Military exercises with the US were cancelled in favor of the Chinese-led Golden Dragon exercises, and significant Chinese investment began flooding into military infrastructure.

By 2020, the landscape had changed dramatically. US-funded facilities at Ream were demolished to make way for a substantial expansion backed by Chinese funds. The new pier, strikingly similar to the one at Djibouti, measures 363 meters long—capable of hosting China’s largest aircraft carrier. This construction underscores a strategic pivot in Cambodian defense policy, reflecting a deeper reliance on Chinese military support.

The evolving dynamics at Ream resonate beyond Cambodia. Observers note that if China is indeed constructing a network of overseas bases, Ream could serve as one of the first significant outposts in a larger strategy to project power across the region and beyond. As Washington scrutinizes these developments, it remains to be seen how this emerging Chinese presence will impact the delicate balance of power in Southeast Asia.

In a region where military alliances are increasingly shaped by economic ties, the stakes at Ream are higher than mere naval strategy; they are about sovereignty, influence, and the future of international relations in a multipolar world.

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