Cambodia 'green lights' US Navy to Ream base

Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington (USA), Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol affirmed that the military of any country can visit the Ream naval base after the project is completed.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister speaks in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) in May 2024

"Ream Naval Base is not exclusively for China. China has supported us in expanding Ream Naval Base for defense purposes, not for China or any military to use against other countries," Mr. Sun stressed.

Reuters quoted Mr. Sun as saying that when the naval base is completed, the navies of the countries can call at the port for humanitarian purposes, disaster relief or joint military exercises.

Mr. Sun encouraged the US Navy to bring small warships when visiting Ream port because the waters in the area are quite shallow and Washington's vehicles may not be able to pass or get stuck.

Cambodia confirms it will receive two new warships from China

Before the Chinese-funded upgrade of Ream Base began in June 2022, the facility had been the site of several joint US-Cambodian naval exercises and training. Chinese warships have been rotating to Ream Naval Base since December 2023 for training purposes.

Recently, Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesman Maly Socheata also confirmed on September 4 that the country's navy will receive two new warships from China.

Previously, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Cambodian leaders in June and discussed resuming military training exchanges and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance. During the meeting, officials also discussed opportunities to strengthen the US-Cambodia defense relationship to support regional peace and security.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/campuchia-bat-den-xanh-cho-hai-quan-my-den-can-cu-ream-185241002104350528.htm