Recent satellite imagery has raised alarms in Washington, indicating that China may be expanding its military presence at Cambodia’s Ream naval base. The images reveal two type A56 corvettes, 1,500-tonne warships, docked at a newly constructed Chinese-built pier capable of accommodating larger vessels. Additional facilities constructed by China onshore are suspected to serve the Chinese navy.
Despite government assurances that no permanent foreign military presence is planned at Ream, skepticism remains. Seun Sam, a Policy Analyst, stresses Cambodia’s intent to maintain sovereignty, noting, “Please understand this is a Cambodian, not a Chinese base. Our military capabilities are limited, and we seek training from external allies, particularly China.”
Amid increasing Chinese military investment and infrastructure development in the region, concerns of a permanent military footprint grow. Currently, China has only established one overseas military base in Djibouti, while the U.S. operates around 750 globally.
Strengthening Alliances
Historically, Ream was supported by U.S. military aid until 2017, when assistance ceased due to political developments in Cambodia. Since then, Cambodia pivoted towards China, canceling joint U.S. military exercises in favor of the Golden Dragon exercises with China. By 2020, U.S.-funded facilities at Ream had been dismantled and replaced with Chinese-funded expansions.
Currently, the Cambodian government asserts that the presence of corvettes at Ream is for training purposes. However, satellite imagery showcases extensive new developments at the base, including dry docks and warehouse facilities. U.S. officials continue to express unease over the evolving military infrastructure at this critical geopolitical site.
Reports have surfaced about a purported agreement that would lease a significant portion of Ream’s facilities to China for military use, a claim the Cambodian government has denounced as false. However, only Chinese vessels have docked at the new pier, with other nations redirected to alternate ports.
While some fear an exclusive Chinese military presence at Ream, analysts suggest this may not violate Cambodian constitutional stipulations against permanent foreign military bases. Instead, they highlight a pattern of allowing continuous foreign access without formal designation as a base.
Regional Implications
The prospect of a more permanent Chinese military presence at Ream alarms neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, which perceive this development as part of a broader strategy by China to extend its influence across Southeast Asia. Both nations have longstanding territorial disputes with China, particularly in the South China Sea.
Despite these regional tensions, public criticisms of China from either country remain unlikely. Economically, Thailand is cautious of straining its relationship with China, while Vietnam aims to curb domestic anti-Chinese sentiment.
Observers from the U.S. and India express concern over the strategic implications of potential Chinese bases in critical maritime regions, drawing parallels to previous agreements in places like Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Nevertheless, many believe that China’s capabilities to challenge U.S. military presence globally remain limited for the foreseeable future.
Experts argue that while Ream may not significantly enhance China’s maritime capabilities, it could serve as a vital center for intelligence operations and monitoring regional movements. “This base may not offer direct military advantages but poses strategic benefits in surveillance and reconnaissance,” noted an analyst.
