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)
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