Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh said redevelopment plans for Ream Naval Base was being turned into a geopolitical issue – in a thinly veiled reference to the United States – as the minister continues to clarify Cambodia’s position on whether China will have a military presence at the base..
Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on telegram Share on whatsapp The government has decided to allow the US military attaché to inspect Ream Naval Base after a top US official expressed concern about an alleged Chinese military presence in Cambodia. A number of political analysts have welcomed the decision, warning that Cambodia could face negative economic impacts should its relationship with the US get worse.
Defense Minister Says China Helping with Ream Overhaul, But ‘No Strings Attached’
03 June 2021
VOA Khmer
FILE - A Cambodian navy sailor salutes on a Chinese naval patrol boat during a handover ceremony at a Cambodian naval base at Ream in Sihanoukville province, southwest of Phnom Penh, on November 7, 2007. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
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PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh has confirmed that China was assisting to build infrastructure at the controversial Ream Naval Base, days after a visiting U.S. diplomat raised the issue at a meeting with Hun Sen.
The defense minister was interviewed by government-aligned Fresh News on Wednesday, where he said China was helping build infrastructure at the base in Preah Sihanouk province. He added that Cambodia needed assistance to expand and modernize the base to host large, deep-water vessels.
PHNOM PENH: China will help to modernise and expand Cambodia's largest naval base but will not be the only country given access to the facility, Cambodian media reported on Wednesday, quoting the country's defence minister.