Is Cambodia About To Permit Chinese Military Assets At One Of Their Naval Bases?

Photo: A Cambodian spokesman said changes to the Ream Naval Base would not include hosting Chinese forces. (Reuters: Tyrone Siu)

ABC News Online: US official suggests Cambodia may host Chinese military assets at naval base

A senior Pentagon official has suggested Cambodia may be planning to host Chinese military assets at one of its naval bases after it suddenly rejected a US offer to fund repairs at the port.

Washington is concerned about the Chinese military presence in South-East Asia, particularly Beijing's increasing influence over contested territorial claims in the South China Sea.

In January, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and South-East Asia, Joseph Felter, visited Ream Naval Base and offered funding to repair a training facility and boat depot there. He said the offer was in response to a request by Cambodia.

The base is operated by the Royal Cambodian Navy on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the province of Sihanoukville, which has become home to a Chinese-led casino boom and the development of a special economic zone.

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Update #1: ‘Real Concern’ Cambodia May Host Chinese Military Assets, Despite Defense Minister’s Downplay: US (Radio Free Asia)
Update #2: U.S. presses Cambodia over possible Chinese military presence (Euronews/Reuters)

WNU Editor: Cambodia and China have always been very tight. And this is causing some trade friction .... U.S. urges Cambodia to probe China-owned economic zone on tariff dodging (Reuters).