They fear that China has already swallowed the area up
In June, Cambodia announced that Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville would soon be expanding. Ream Naval Base is undergoing a modernization project described by Cambodian government spokesperson Phay Siphan as a “cooperation between China and Cambodia,” and not a hosting of a foreign military power.” [i]
The project is said to include the construction of two new piers and dredging work that will deepen navigational lanes so that medium-sized ships can access the base. This is in addition to 36,900 uniforms to the Cambodian army. Despite this, Cambodia asserts there is no reason for concern because,
Cambodia just wants to further enhance its self-defense capabilities; protect peace, security and prosperity; counter terrorism and transnational crimes; and perform disaster relief and peacekeeping operations.” [ii]
The Washington Post reported that an anonymous Chinese official stated that “a portion of the base” would be utilized by “the Chinese military,” though not exclusively. This sparked concern among US officials who had previously offered assistance repairing Ream naval base in 2019. It is feared that China is attempting to expand its military presence in Cambodia. China and Cambodia both deny the allegations that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) military will be placed at the base. [iii]
Ream Naval BasePhoto by Dmitry Makeev/Wikimedia Commons
A local journalist stated, “Few residents get close to the base now.” Some locals are concerned about the mounting tension regarding the US’ belief that the Chinese are expanding the naval site to become a military hub for the PRC military. One taxi driver in Sihanoukville, where the base is located, remarked on the issue, saying, “I hope we don’t get dragged into an international conflict.” [iv]
Cambodia maintains its constitution “bars foreign military bases in the country.” [v]
References
[i] Sebastian Strangio, What the Cambodian Naval Base Brouhaha Overlooks, (Jun. 8, 2022)
[ii] Id.
[iv] Nikkei Asia, ‘Swallowed’ by China: Cambodia’s Ream base expansion raises alarm, (Aug. 28, 2022)
[iii] Khmer Times, ‘Be transparent on China-backed base project‘, (Aug. 23, 2022)
[v] Nikkei Asia, ‘Swallowed’ by China: Cambodia’s Ream base expansion raises alarm, (Aug. 28, 2022)
Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe say they recently conducted a live intercept
of three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea The Royal Air Force and German Air Force's Typhoon fighter jets recently executed a joint mission intercepting three Russian aircraft soaring across the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland. The Royal Air Force's IX(B) Squadron is a United Kingdom's Royal Air Force squadron. It is one […]
Why Has Russia Claimed to Have Destroyed Two US-Made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Missile Launchers?
Earlier this week, the Russian defense ministry claimed that its forces destroyed two HIMARS in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. It was also alleged that Russian forces destroyed two ammunition depots after capturing the Luhansk region over the weekend. These allegations emerge following the U.S.' recent provision of four HIMARS to Ukraine as their […]
55 years ago, the US dropped 5,000 bombs a day for 77 days
Vietnamese long-range artillery detonated tons of explosives On January 21, 1968, the history of the Siege of Khe Sanh began. It is also known as the Battle of Khe Sanh. This historical battle is considered one of the Vietnam War's most controversial battles. The history of the battle begins at Khe Sanh combat base, located…
A woman flying eight hours won't swap seats with a man several rows back
Now says she was misjudged based on appearances An anonymous 22-year-old woman flying from the USA to Europe, refused to swap seats so a family could sit together due to her disability. A mother and child took the middle and window seats while the woman sat in the aisle seat. The mother wanted the woman […]
An astute operation: One Ventura County delivery driver recently cited in a new minor decoy sting
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office reported a DoorDash delivery driver, an Inglewood resident, was recently cited for selling alcohol to a minor decoy. The Sting Operation Recently, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office conducted a "Minor Decoy Delivery Operation" in partnership with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). They also collaborated with the Camarillo Police Department…
