7-9-2024 (PHNOM PENH) The Cambodian government has announced that it will receive two warships from Beijing. This development is likely to raise eyebrows in Washington, where concerns about China’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia have been mounting.
Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence, revealed that the vessels are expected to be delivered as early as next year. She emphasised that the acquisition aims to bolster Cambodia’s capacity to maintain peace, security, and stability, as well as to support humanitarian efforts such as search and rescue operations.
“This cooperation aligns with the goals and principles of the Cambodian constitution, particularly in safeguarding our sovereignty, integrity, and independence,” Socheata stated.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the ships in question are likely to be newly constructed Type 056 corvettes. This class of vessel has previously spent extended periods at Cambodia’s Ream naval base following a Chinese-funded upgrade of the facility.
The announcement comes amidst growing scrutiny of Cambodia’s military relationship with China. In December, two Chinese warships, including a Type 056 corvette named Wenshan, docked at the Ream naval base as part of a joint exercise. These vessels were the first foreign ships to utilise the newly upgraded facilities.
The Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies reported in April that the Chinese ships remained at Ream for over four months following the exercise. This prolonged stay has fuelled speculation about China potentially gaining “extended and exclusive” access to the new pier.
While Cambodian officials maintain that the upgraded naval base will be open to all navies, thus far, only Chinese vessels have made use of the facilities. This exclusivity has not gone unnoticed by international observers.
The United States has expressed concerns that China’s involvement in the Ream naval base could provide Beijing with strategic access to the Malacca Strait, a crucial shipping route connecting the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Although China is known to operate only one official foreign military base in Djibouti, its deepening ties with Cambodia have led to speculation about Beijing’s intentions to expand its global military footprint.
Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen has repeatedly denied the existence of any secret agreement granting China a permanent military presence at Ream. He has cited the country’s constitution, which prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases on Cambodian soil.
