USS Savannah Visits Cambodia for Naval Cooperation

The USS Savannah, a U.S. Navy warship, has made its first visit to Cambodia in eight years, docking at Sihanoukville's Ream Naval Base, signaling a potential shift in Cambodia's diplomatic ties amid concerns over China's influence. The visit comes as Cambodia reportedly distances itself from China due to stalled projects and a cut in Chinese loans, raising questions about Beijing's control over the Ream base, which has hosted Chinese warships. U.S. officials view this visit as an opportunity to strengthen military partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and counterbalance China's strategic positioning in the region. The Cambodian government has welcomed the U.S. presence, emphasizing the visit's role in expanding bilateral cooperation. This development follows U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's earlier visit to Cambodia, aimed at resetting strained relations. The naval interaction includes sports competitions between the U.S. and Cambodian navies, further fostering camaraderie between the two nations.