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US Warship Docks at China-Renovated Cambodian Base, Stirs Regional Tensions

The USS Cincinnati's docking at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base marks the first such US visit since the facility was renovated by Chinese state firms. The event coincides with a scheduled meeting between the head of US Indo-Pacific Command and Cambodia's Defence Minister. The visit has reignited regional concerns about potential exclusive Chinese military access to the base, claims which both Beijing and Phnom Penh deny. The Cambodian navy emphasizes the port is open to vessels from all nations, including the US, Australia, and Japan.

Key Points: US Warship Visits China-Upgraded Cambodian Naval Base

  • First US warship at China-renovated base
  • Visit coincides with high-level US-Cambodia defense talks
  • Concerns over exclusive Chinese access denied
  • Base modernized by Chinese state firms
  • Over 37 US warship visits since 2003
2 min read

US warship's visit to Cambodian naval base raises eyebrows in region

USS Cincinnati docks at Ream Naval Base, renovated by China, raising regional concerns over military access and alliances during high-level US-Cambodia talks.

"We are open from this moment forward for all to enter... this port is ready for you. - Deputy Commander, Ream Naval Base"

New Delhi, Jan 25

As the USS Cincinnati, an American warship, docked at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base this weekend, the development created widespread ripples and triggered talks of fresh turmoil in the region.

The development assumes significance because this is the first docking by a US Navy warship at the Cambodian facility, after the renovation of this naval base by Chinese state firms, early last year.

Also, the US warship's visit coincides with a high-profile meeting, slated between the head of US Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha.

The concern and consternation arose over concerns and reports that China, Cambodia's close ally and main provider of aid and investment, could have been granted exclusive access to the base. The Cambodian government has, however, denied any agreement for exclusive Chinese privileges.

The controversy began in 2019 when China and Cambodian governments reportedly entered an agreement for its use by the Chinese military for 30 years. Though the claims were rejected by Beijing, the Cambodian government has repeatedly denied any agreement for exclusive Chinese privileges.

Notably, the USS Cincinnati is an Independence-class littoral combat ship and can operate in shallower waters also.

Its crew of about 100 is scheduled to engage in sporting events and other activities in the nearby city of Sihanoukville during its January 24-28 visit, said a report by Wral news.

It said, citing the deputy commander of the base, "At this location, our government has worked very hard to build this port so that all foreign vessels that wish to dock in Cambodia can do so."

"We have succeeded in this effort, and we are open from this moment forward for all to enter," the deputy commander said. "Whether it is American ships, Australian, Japanese or any other ships that wish to dock in Cambodia, this port is ready for you," he further stated.

Also, a Cambodian Navy statement added that more than 37 US warships had made visits to Cambodian facilities, from 2003 through 2026 alone.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Interesting development! Cambodia is trying to show it's not completely in China's pocket by allowing this visit. The timing with the Admiral's meeting is no coincidence. Hope this leads to more transparency about what's really happening at that base. 🤔
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Aman W
While the geopolitical angle is important, let's not forget the human element - sporting events and crew interaction is good for people-to-people ties. But the underlying tension is palpable. The 30-year agreement rumor from 2019 still casts a long shadow.
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Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, we should engage more with Cambodia and other ASEAN nations independently. Relying on the US to counterbalance China is a short-term tactic. Our Act East Policy needs more substance and sustained naval diplomacy in the region.
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Vikram M
The deputy commander's statement sounds like a prepared PR line. "Open for all" is good in theory, but actions matter more. If 37 US visits have happened since 2003, why is this one making headlines? Because of the Chinese-built infrastructure. The symbolism is everything.
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Kiran H
Respectfully, I think we are over-analysing a single port visit. The crew is playing sports, not conducting war games. Cambodia has the right to host ships from any nation. Constant suspicion helps no one. Let's hope this is a step towards more openness, not more rivalry. 🙏

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