Recent satellite imagery has revealed Chinese military presence at the Ream naval base in Cambodia, which has raised significant international concerns regarding the potential transformation of the facility into a base for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Images indicate the docking of two 1,500-tonne Type 065A guided-missile corvettes, signaling an enhanced Chinese naval footprint in the region. Despite repeated denials from the Cambodian government regarding granting long-term military access to foreign powers at Ream, the evidence suggests a reality that contradicts these assurances. Chinese-built infrastructure capable of accommodating larger warships further corroborates fears that the base may indeed serve Chinese military interests.
The Cambodian government has consistently insisted that Ream will maintain its sovereignty and will not be used as a Chinese military base. The nation’s constitution prohibits a permanent foreign military presence, and officials claim the port will remain accessible to all “friendly navies.” Nonetheless, this assertion has become increasingly questionable, as Chinese vessels are reportedly the only ones allowed to dock at the new infrastructure. For instance, in early 2022, two Japanese ships of comparable size were redirected to another port when they sought to dock at Ream.
Changing narratives from Cambodian authorities highlight their attempts to temper rising skepticism about foreign military involvement. Royal Academy of Cambodia analyst Seun Sam emphasized that Ream is Cambodian and not Chinese, underscoring the country’s reliance on foreign training, particularly from China. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Changol echoed these sentiments during a recent visit to Washington, asserting that Ream’s upgrades are solely for Cambodia’s national defense and are not aimed at hosting the Chinese military or targeting other nations. Furthermore, officials claimed the presence of the corvettes was merely for training, and stated that China is constructing two corvettes for its own navy.
The U.S. embassy in Cambodia has expressed concerns over the apparent lack of transparency concerning the ambitions behind the renovations at Ream. In October 2021, American diplomatic representatives criticized the Cambodian government for not fully disclosing the intent and scope of the developments at the naval base. The embassy highlighted the importance of Cambodian citizens being informed and having a voice in military matters that could impact the long-term future of their country. Notably, the U.S. government’s unease was heightened after several new buildings appeared at the site, a significant shift following the demolition of two U.S.-funded structures just a year earlier.
In response to China’s growing military influence in Cambodia, the U.S. imposed an arms embargo in December 2021 due to concerns regarding human rights abuses and corruption within the Cambodian state. The dynamic between China and the Cambodian government has come under heightened scrutiny, particularly as the U.S. approaches its foreign policy towards Asia with skepticism towards authoritarian regimes. The implications of Cambodia’s burgeoning partnership with China are set against a backdrop of tension between China and its regional neighbors.
Strategically, a Chinese naval base in Cambodia, while not the most advantageous location compared to other bases, would enhance China’s maritime capabilities in Southeast Asia. As the People’s Liberation Army Navy expands its fleet to outnumber the U.S. Navy but lacks overseas bases beyond its sole installation in Djibouti, Cambodia’s Ream naval base could provide a pivotal access point in the South China Sea. This increased military presence could escalate tensions with nearby countries like Thailand and Vietnam, indicating a broader geopolitical maneuvering in a region already fraught with territorial disputes and national security concerns.