Cambodia Opens Chinese-Funded Naval Base, Hosts Japanese Warship

Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, expanded with Chinese funding, is set to officially open on April 2, 2025, with a Japanese warship as its first foreign visitor. The base has drawn international scrutiny due to concerns over China's increasing military presence in the region, especially given a reported 30-year lease for the Chinese Navy. Cambodian officials, including Maj. Gen. Thong Solimo, emphasize that the invitation to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force reflects Cambodia's commitment to openness and cooperation with multiple nations. However, the U.S. has expressed concerns that the base could serve as a strategic outpost for China, particularly after Chinese warships docked there for extended periods last year. Analysts suggest Cambodia's efforts to host foreign navies, particularly Japan, may be an attempt to counter perceptions that the base is exclusively for Chinese military use. This move comes amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China asserts extensive territorial claims.