Cambodian leader Hun Manet opened a naval base on Saturday, which was reconstructed by China in recent years, and said that he “has nothing to hide”. Washington expressed concern about Beijing’s role in the modernization of the base, TASR reports, according to the AFP news agency report.
The United States stated that the ream’s naval base, located on the southern coast of Cambodia, could give China a key strategic position in the Gulf of Thai near the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entire.
Base and China
Cambodian senior officials have repeatedly denied that the base would be intended for use of any foreign power, after the US media reports from 2022, which reported that the new facilities at the Ream base are being built exclusively for the use of Chinese naval forces.
Military officials from different countries took part in the ceremonial opening of the reconstructed base, while Cambodia spread the red carpet for the delegation of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed the opening of a modernized port at an event where the Cambodian and Chinese flags were posted.
HUN MANETA
“Today we are organizing a festive opening in live broadcast, because we want Cambodian people, as well as people and all the forces around the world to doubt it. From today, Cambodia will welcome all friends at the Ream’s base on joint exercises. We have nothing to hide at all,” he said in a speech.
Hun Manet has promised that the device will not serve exclusively Beijing and will be able to anchor vessels from other countries.
At the ceremony, the high Chinese military representative Chao Čing-Feng said that the port was symbolized by the “unwavering friendship” between the two countries and “regional security will give a new impulse”.
Cambodia and Chinese cooperation
He recalled that the base will be used for joint military exercises, including the annual Manenvrovo Golden Dragon.
Cambodia has long been one of China’s most loyal allies in Southeast Asia, while Beijing has expanded its influence on Phnom Penh in recent years. For the former Cambodian leader Hun Sen – Father Prime Minister Hun Manet – China has invested billions of dollars in the country’s infrastructure, while Washington’s relations with Phn Penh have worsened in recent years.
Hun Manet said on Saturday that the Chinese President Si Jin-Pching will visit Cambodia during April, confirming the previously announced plans for such a journey.
West concerns
Beijing contributes to the reconstruction of the Marine base Ream, which was originally built in part from the US, since 2022. West concerns from this base date back to 2019, when The Wall Street Journal reported a secret agreement that allows China to anchor at Ream’s base.
Cambodia is also expected to receive two warships from China to improve its defensive capacity.
