Two Chinese warships recently docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, in preparation for joint naval exercises with the country. The Jingangshan amphibious warfare ship and Qijiguang training ship arrived at the port, where onlookers waved Cambodian and Chinese flags. The docking occurred near the Ream Naval Base, which China has been expanding with funding from the Chinese government. This expansion has raised concerns from the United States and others who fear it could become a Chinese military outpost in the Gulf of Thailand, providing access to the South China Sea and the strategically important Malacca Strait.
China’s ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wentian, downplayed concerns about the Ream Naval Base, stating that Chinese navy operations in the area are focused on peace and cooperation rather than militarization. The upcoming joint naval exercises between China and Cambodia are part of the Golden Dragon exercises, which aim to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. The exercises will involve the participation of the Jingangshan and Qijiguang ships, as well as two Chinese corvettes that have been stationed at the Ream base for several months.
Controversy surrounding the Ream Naval Base emerged in 2019 when reports suggested that Cambodia had granted China a 30-year lease to use the base for military purposes. However, then-Prime Minister Hun Sen denied the existence of such an agreement, citing Cambodia’s constitution, which prohibits foreign military bases on its soil. While Cambodia welcomes visits from foreign ships, it maintains that it will not allow the establishment of any foreign military bases in the country. During the opening of the Golden Dragon exercises, Cambodia’s army Commander in Chief expressed gratitude to China for its support in upgrading military facilities, including the Ream Naval Base.
The joint naval exercises between China and Cambodia are seen as a way to strengthen military ties between the two countries and enhance regional security. While China’s presence and investment in the Ream Naval Base have raised concerns about potential militarization, Cambodian officials have reiterated their commitment to not allowing foreign military bases on their territory. The exercises, which are part of the ongoing Golden Dragon training program, aim to improve coordination and interoperability between the Chinese and Cambodian navies, contributing to stability in the region. Despite ongoing scrutiny, Cambodia remains adamant about its sovereignty and commitment to not hosting foreign military bases on its soil.
Overall, the docking of Chinese warships in Cambodia for joint naval exercises underscores the growing military cooperation between the two countries. The exercises are part of established training programs and aim to enhance the capabilities of both navies while promoting regional security and stability. While concerns have been raised about the expansion of the Ream Naval Base and China’s intentions in the region, Cambodian officials have reiterated their commitment to sovereignty and non-alignment with any foreign military power. The joint exercises serve as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between China and Cambodia and highlight the significance of maintaining peace and security in the region.
