Cambodia Opens Ream Naval Base to U.S. Navy Amid China's Growing Influence

Cambodia has announced that the U.S. Navy and any other country's military are welcome to visit its Ream Naval Base once construction is completed. This comes amidst concerns from the Pentagon about the base potentially becoming a Chinese outpost. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol emphasized that the base is for humanitarian, disaster recovery, and joint military exercises.

On Tuesday, Cambodia extended an invitation to the U.S. Navy to visit its Ream Naval Base, allaying fears from the Pentagon that the base would serve as a Chinese outpost. Speaking at a think tank event in Washington, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol assured attendees that any nation's military could use the base once it's completed.

Sun Chanthol stressed that the Ream Naval Base, while expanded with Chinese assistance, is intended for Cambodia's national defense and is not dedicated for use by China or any other foreign military against another country. He explained that the base would be open for humanitarian missions, disaster recovery operations, and joint military exercises.

Nonetheless, he advised the U.S. Navy to bring smaller ships due to shallow waters at the port. This statement reflects ongoing tension between the U.S. and Cambodia, particularly over issues such as Cambodia's political climate and China's influence. Meanwhile, Chinese warships have been rotating through Ream since December to aid in the training of the Cambodian navy.

(With inputs from agencies.)