SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia – Two Chinese warships entered Cambodia’s commercial port on Sunday in preparation for joint naval exercises between the two countries.
As onlookers waved Cambodian and Chinese flags from the pier, the Jinggangshan amphibious ship and the Revelation training ship entered Sihanoukville Port.
The port is north of Reem Naval Base, which China is part of in a wide-ranging expansion project that is being closely watched by the United States and others over concerns that the base could become a new Chinese naval outpost in the Gulf of Thailand. is providing funding.
The bay borders the South China Sea, virtually all of which is claimed by China, and would provide easy access to the Straits of Malacca, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian told reporters in Sihanoukville that wherever the Chinese navy sails, “we bring friendship and cooperation” and nothing else. He dismissed concerns about Ream.
“Cooperation between the two militaries, China and Cambodia, is conducive to the security of both countries and the security of the region,” he said while standing on the pier.
“Jingangshan” and “Qiluguang” will participate in naval exercises from Reem base from May 24th to 27th, along with two Chinese corvettes that have been moored at Reem’s new pier for more than five months. It is.
This joint exercise is the naval component of the ongoing Golden Dragon exercise, which is held regularly between the two countries.
The controversy surrounding Reem Naval Base began in 2019 when The Wall Street Journal reported that an early draft of a well-received agreement, seen by U.S. officials, would allow China to station military personnel and store weapons at the base. It first arose when it was reported that it would allow use for 30 years. And anchor the warship.
Cambodia’s then-Prime Minister Hun Sen denied there was any such agreement. He pointed out that Cambodia’s constitution does not allow foreign military bases to be set up in Cambodia, but said visiting vessels from all countries are welcome.
As Exercise Golden Dragon opens on May 16, Cambodian Army Commander-in-Chief Phon Pisen thanked China for providing new equipment and helping renovate military facilities, including Reem Naval Base. expressed his intention.
At the same time, he emphasized Cambodia’s official position, saying that the country “will not allow foreign military bases to be located on our territory.”
