25-7-2023 (PHNOM PENH) Cambodia has confirmed that construction on its Ream naval base is almost finished, sparking concerns from Washington over its potential use by the Chinese military. Satellite images revealed the construction of a significant pier, further fueling suspicions that China may be planning to utilize the base for its naval and military operations.
The Ream base, situated on the Gulf of Thailand, has been a point of contention between Cambodia and the United States for years. While China has provided funding for the base’s renovation, Cambodia has consistently denied any intention of allowing foreign powers, particularly China, to use the facility. Nonetheless, the proximity to completion and the resemblance to Chinese military piers in Djibouti have raised red flags for US officials.
Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesman, Chhum Socheat, stated that the base is nearing inauguration, reiterating that it is intended to enhance Cambodia’s military capabilities for safeguarding territorial integrity and is not meant to house a Chinese military base.
New satellite imagery from US-based commercial imagery company BlackSky reveals significant progress in construction at the Ream base over the past two years. The images display a 363-meter-long pier extending into the sea, prompting comparisons to a similar military pier at China’s People’s Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti.
Craig Singleton, an expert from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, expressed concerns over the similarity, raising questions about China’s potential involvement in the base’s utilization.
US apprehensions about the Ream base date back to 2019 when the Wall Street Journal reported a deal allowing Beijing to dock warships at the location. Cambodia’s increasing closeness to China, coupled with the election victory claimed by longtime ruler Hun Sen’s party, has fueled anxiety among Western powers regarding the nation’s alignment with China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent his congratulations to Hun Sen on his election win and expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Meanwhile, the Cambodian leader, who has been in power for almost four decades, has hinted at an impending handover of power to his eldest son.
