Ream Naval Base hosts first joint military exercise following expansion, as China denies plans for exclusive use
China and Cambodia conducted joint naval exercises on 6 April at the recently enhanced Ream Naval Base, located along Cambodia’s southern coastline on the Gulf of Thailand. The drills, held a day after the official unveiling of the expanded facility, have intensified speculation about China’s growing military footprint in Southeast Asia.
The naval manoeuvres, involving warships from both nations, focused on formation strategies and tactical operations, according to China Central Television. The exercises mark a significant milestone since the expansion began in mid-2022, funded by Beijing.
Chinese military analysts told the Global Times that joint exercises like these are expected to increase in frequency, potentially incorporating air and land units in future drills. They emphasised that such cooperation aims to promote “regional peace and stability”, particularly in the contentious South China Sea.
The Ream Naval Base, situated in Sihanoukville province, has become a focal point of international scrutiny following the demolition of a US-funded facility there in 2020. The Cambodian government rejected Washington’s offer to refurbish the original installation, sparking concerns about the base’s future purpose.
Since then, Chinese naval vessels have been observed visiting Ream on a rotating basis, fuelling US fears that the base could become a permanent military hub for China. Phnom Penh has repeatedly denied such claims, insisting that the upgraded port will remain open to vessels from other countries.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, accompanied by high-ranking Chinese military officials, presided over the base’s inauguration on 5 April. Addressing speculation about a secret agreement between the two nations, Hun Manet stated clearly, “We have absolutely nothing to conceal.”
“Our decision to hold a public inauguration is intended to dispel all doubts from both the Cambodian public and the global community,” he said, inviting foreign navies to participate in future joint drills at Ream. “This facility is open to all our friends.”
The upgraded base now features a new pier capable of accommodating larger warships, according to China’s state media outlet Xinhua. Senior Chinese military figure Cao Qingfeng described the development as a symbol of the “iron-clad friendship” between the two nations and said it would contribute positively to regional security dynamics.
Hun Manet also confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Cambodia later this month, adding further weight to the already close relationship between the two governments.
Beijing has emerged as one of Cambodia’s closest allies in the region, particularly under former leader Hun Sen, who welcomed billions in Chinese infrastructure investment. Meanwhile, diplomatic relations between Phnom Penh and Washington have cooled in recent years.
While Cambodia maintains that its partnership with China is not intended to exclude other nations, the strategic location and rapid expansion of the Ream facility continue to raise eyebrows across the international community.
