chinas growing influence in Southeast Asia continues to raise eyebrows as the country deepens its strategic ties with Cambodia, most recently with the opening of a new joint naval facility at Ream Naval Base. This article provides insights into the objectives, capabilities, and geopolitical implications of this facility, allowing you to understand the evolving relationship between China and Cambodia. We’ll explore the strategic importance of this new facility for China’s military presence.
China Deepens Strategic Ties with Cambodia, Opens Joint Naval Facility
April 8, 2025
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – China and Cambodia have solidified their strategic partnership with the inauguration of a joint support and training center at the modernized Ream Naval Base [[2]]. the opening ceremony, held Saturday, April 5, was jointly presided over by Cambodian Prime Minister Hon Mane and Cao Qingfeng, deputy chief of staff of the Joint Staff of the Central Military commission of China.
Key Objectives and Capabilities
The facility aims to bolster cooperation between the two nations in several critical areas [[2]]:
- Counter-terrorism efforts
- Disaster prevention and response
- Humanitarian rescue operations
- Joint military exercises
Newly constructed infrastructure at the Ream Naval Base includes:
- A 650-meter dock
- A 5,000-ton dry dock
- A 1,000-ton slide
- A power plant
- Eight dormitory and office buildings
- A helicopter apron
The base can currently accommodate eight ships.
Cambodia’s Viewpoint: Sovereignty and Partnership
Prime Minister Hon Mane has firmly denied that China has been granted exclusive military rights to the base. He addressed concerns about the base perhaps endangering Cambodia’s sovereignty, stating such allegations are baseless. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, clarifying that China’s aid to build does not meen garrison, and there is no secret to the modernization of Yunrong Naval Base.
Mr.Mane also announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Cambodia in mid-April.He stated that this visit, along with the base’s opening, fully demonstrated the deep and solid strategic partnership between the two countries and strongly refuted the rumors of cracks in Cambodia-China relations.
China’s Stance: International Law and Mutual Benefit
China’s ministry of National Defense issued a statement affirming that the construction and use of the facility is in line with the domestic laws of the two countries, relevant international law and international practices, and is not directed to any third party.
The strengthening of cambodia-China relations follows a history of Chinese support for the Khmer Rouge against Vietnam [[3]].
“Golden Dragon-2025” Joint Exercise
Concurrent with the base’s opening, the armed forces of China and Cambodia launched the “Golden Dragon-2025” joint exercise at Ream Naval Base. The exercise includes training in formation mobility, maritime communications, and equipment operations. This annual exercise, initiated in 2016, has been held every year except for 2021 and 2022 due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Geopolitical Implications and Expert analysis
The upgraded naval base has drawn international attention, particularly from the united States and other nations concerned about China’s growing military presence in the region. These countries fear that Cambodia has effectively ceded control of the base to China, granting it a strategic foothold in the South China Sea [[1]].
Liu Zongyi, director of the South Asia Research Center of Shanghai Institute of International Studies, offered his perspective:
especially countries like China that are trustworthy and have close strategic partnerships.
Liu Zongyi, director of the South Asia Research Center of Shanghai institute of International Studies
Mr. Liu added that the base’s primary functions are intended for counter-terrorism,disaster prevention and relief,humanitarian assistance,and joint training. These activities are not targeted at any country, nor are they naval bases of military alliance nature.
Li Mingjiang, associate professor at the Rajalenan International Research Institute of Nanyang Technological University, believes that while the base may not become a full-fledged Chinese military base, China’s influence in this base will be much greater then that of any other country and will have many advantages in use.
Mr. Li further noted:
With some convenient conditions for military bases, the activities of the Chinese navy in southern South China Sea will be more convenient, and will also help the Chinese military increase its presence and activities in the South China Sea.
Li Mingjiang, associate professor at the Rajalenan International Research Institute of Nanyang Technological University
He anticipates potential responses from the U.S., Japan, and Australia, leading to increased geopolitical pressure on Cambodia, forcing it to be passively involved in more.
He also suggests that Southeast Asian nations with territorial disputes in the South China Sea will heighten their vigilance, while the Philippines and Vietnam may express dissatisfaction but lack the means to intervene.
