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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — On Saturday, two vessels from the Japanese navy made a stop at the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia, a facility recently modernized with funding from China. This enhancement has triggered apprehensions in the United States that the base could become a strategic asset for the Chinese navy in the Gulf of Thailand.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s minesweepers, the 141-meter Bungo and the 67-meter Etajima, are the first foreign naval ships to visit the base since its expansion project concluded earlier this month.
In recent years, Japan has been strengthening its relationship with Cambodia as part of a broader strategy to counterbalance China’s influence in the region. The Cambodian government invited Japan for this inaugural docking at the newly renovated port, a gesture likely intended to ease U.S. apprehensions regarding the situation at the base.
During their four-day visit, the Japanese ships are accompanied by 170 crew members. The vessels were welcomed at the newly constructed pier, where Rear Adm. Mean Savoeun, the deputy commander of the base, led a welcoming ceremony with other Cambodian officials.
Concerns about China’s engagement with the Ream base began surfacing in 2019. A report from the Wall Street Journal suggested there was a draft agreement that would allow Chinese military use of the facility for personnel housing, weapons storage, and warship berthing for an extended 30-year period. The U.S. government has consistently voiced its unease regarding these developments.
China and Cambodia share strong political, military, and economic relations. They initiated the port development in 2022, which resulted in the demolition of some older naval structures that were established by the U.S.
Cambodia has stated that the new docking facilities are open to warships from all friendly nations, though certain conditions must be adhered to. When Japanese Defense Minister Gen. Nakatani announced the ships’ upcoming visit, he described the occasion as a representation of friendship between Japan and Cambodia, which is vital for promoting stability and peace in the region.
He highlighted that the mission was aimed at reinforcing the notion of an open and transparent naval port in Cambodia, reflecting upon the growing concerns regarding China’s strategy to expand its military presence abroad.
This port call coincides with the conclusion of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Cambodia, which focused on reinforcing China’s already strong ties with its primary ally in Southeast Asia.
Japan’s embassy in Cambodia remarked that the mission of the two vessels started in January and includes visits to a total of 11 nations spanning Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia. The port stop in Cambodia has been highlighted as a “historically significant event” in the context of Japan-Cambodia relations.
The embassy also emphasized the significance of this voyage, stating it underscores the essentials of maintaining freedom of navigation and upholding a free and open international order founded on recognition of global law.
In a related note, during December of the previous year, a U.S. Navy warship made a five-day visit to the nearby civilian port of Sihanoukville, marking the first visit by a U.S. military vessel to Cambodia in eight years.
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