Recent naval activities off the coast of Cambodia are shedding light on the dynamic, sometimes precarious relationship between the Southeast Asian country, the United States, and China. This month, two Chinese Type 056 missile corvettes stationed at the Ream naval base were reportedly away from port for days, likely combining training exercises with the Cambodian navy. These maneuvers have not only underscored China’s commitment to enhancing its military collaboration with Cambodia but also sparked concern among U.S. analysts about the growing Chinese influence over the region.
According to satellite data analyzed by Radio Free Asia, the warships, believed to be named Aba and Tianmen, were absent for operational training from December 18-21. Military expert Carl Schuster noted, "They typically do four to five day operations, but usually four, most surface surveillance and anti-submarine warfare sweeps." This maritime activity follows the confirmation from the Cambodian military earlier this year about the transfer of the corvettes and subsequent training of Cambodian personnel.
The Chinese navy has been training Cambodian sailors since the arrival of similar vessels at Ream last December. Before this recent string of activities, the presence of the vessels had been limited mostly to port operations. Schuster detailed potential training activities including seamanship, technical proficiency, and naval formation drills. While these operations represent increased military cooperation between the nations, they are not without controversy, especially concerning Cambodia's diplomatic balancing between regional powers.
Just days prior to the Chinese warships’ reported returns to port, the USS Savannah docked at Sihanoukville, marking the first arrival of the U.S. Navy to Cambodia since 2015. The port call was publicly framed by Cambodian Ministry of National Defense officials as part of efforts to "strengthen and expand friendship" and promote bilateral cooperation. The vessel’s visit painted Cambodia as seeking to re-engage with the U.S. amid longstanding concerns about China’s rapid military growth and strategic interests within the region.
U.S. relations with Cambodia have been strained, partially due to the controversial Ream naval base which has drawn scrutiny as potentially functioning as a Chinese military foothold. During the Savannah’s recent visit, U.S. officials reiterated their respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty but also expressed concerns about the potential for China to establish permanent military bases overseas. "We are taking a wait and see attitude toward the PRC’s relationship at the Ream naval base," Adm. Samuel Paparo remarked, highlighting the geopolitical sensitivities involved.
Observers assert the port call serves as evidence of Cambodia's attempts to steer its foreign policy closer to the U.S. as it faces moral and diplomatic dilemmas tied to its association with China. “I think Cambodians are trying to show — look, we’re not taking the side of the Chinese or the Americans,” Abdul Rahman Yaacob, from the Lowy Institute, opined. This sentiment echoes the view among analysts who believe Cambodia is negotiating its position delicately, capitalizing on its strategic location to forge beneficial relationships with both powers and promote its own national interests.
While Cambodians expressed hopes for improved relations with the U.S., many also noted the complexity of its existing ties with China. Local experts like Sam Seun reflected on this interplay: “This port call proves Cambodia can have good relationships with the United States and other countries too.” Such developments seek to show strengthening military capabilities without appearing overtly aligned with either side.
Cambodia's Ream naval base holds significant strategic importance, especially concerning maritime routes and regional security dynamics. Sun Kim, academic at the Pannasastra University, articulated, “If China needs to deploy its navy, Ream Naval Base may be used as one of the bases for deployment by China.” This statement captures the potential pivot points of regional influence and the stakes involved as Cambodia navigates its defense strategy.
Simultaneously, the Cambodian government faces challenges related to environmental degradation caused by mining operations, which have raised alarms over wildlife sanctuaries being disrupted by industrial activities. Concerns spotlighted by environmental activists are juxtaposed against the backdrop of growing military allegiance and investments from China, potentially illustrating the struggles of balancing development and ecological preservation.
Nevertheless, the Ream naval base’s development is emblematic of Cambodia's strategic imperative to bolster its defense capabilities, particularly vis-a-vis competing interests, such as those from the U.S. and China. Recent declarations by former Prime Minister Hun Sen about allowing Japanese naval vessels to access the base reveal Cambodia's continued efforts to manage its diplomatic positioning—an overture toward diversifying security partnerships even amid rising regional tensions.
What remains clear is Cambodia's delicate balancing act; it must navigate relationships with major global powers, respond to internal and external pressures for environmental conservation and security, and establish its autonomy to avoid being seen as merely aligning with one side. Ongoing developments at Ream naval base, coupled with U.S. efforts to strengthen relations, could signal new trajectories—not just for Cambodian foreign policy but for the broader geopolitical framework of Southeast Asia.
