Cambodia Announces Gift of 2 Chinese Warships Amid Port Expansion Completion

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia’s Defense Ministry announced that China will provide the country with two Type 56 corvettes, which are smaller ships generally used for coastal patrols. These vessels have been docked at the strategically significant Ream Naval Base, which is currently undergoing expansion with Chinese financial support. There is growing concern that this development may lead to a permanent Chinese naval presence in the Gulf of Thailand.

Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata informed The Associated Press that the warships are expected to be delivered next year at the earliest. She refrained from addressing speculation regarding the handover of new facilities at Ream, which includes a newly constructed extended pier designed to accommodate larger naval vessels than those currently in Cambodia’s fleet. However, she did confirm that the final phase of construction at the base is nearing completion.

Concerns regarding China’s activities in the area intensified following the docking of two Type 56 corvettes at the new pier this past December. These warships have maintained an intermittent presence at the base since then. Cambodia has articulated that the prolonged stay of Chinese corvettes stems from its interest in similar vessels for its navy and for training purposes.

Maly indicated that the delivery of the two Type 56C corvettes resulted from Cambodia’s request for assistance from China. “This is aimed at enhancing Cambodia’s capacity to protect and maintain peace, stability, and security, as well as supporting search and rescue operations and other humanitarian endeavors,” she stated.

China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry did not comment on the forthcoming transfer of ships or the expanded facilities at Ream, stating that they were not aware of the information referenced in the inquiry.

Concerns regarding Chinese activities at the Ream base emerged in 2019 when a draft agreement reportedly indicated a potential 30-year lease allowing China to establish a military presence at the site. This included the accommodation of military personnel, weapon storage, and the berthing of warships. The then-prime minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, denied the existence of such an agreement, underscoring that Cambodia’s Constitution prohibits foreign military bases on its soil.

Despite these claims, construction on the base has continued, with Hun Sen’s successor, his son Hun Manet, maintaining a similar stance on the matter. If in fact, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were to be granted preferential or exclusive access to Ream in exchange for the corvettes and support for the base’s expansion, it might cleverly navigate the constitutional constraints that Cambodia has in place. Euan Graham, a senior defense analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, noted that this could allow Cambodia to assert that it has not violated constitutional limits by creating a foreign base.

Graham emphasized, “It’s quite a smart move, as it allows Cambodia to maintain its line that it hasn’t deviated from the constitution.” He anticipated that China might retain a naval presence aboard the corvettes post-transfer. He added that the crux of the issue lies in determining the level of access the PLAN would have to the base and whether such access would be exclusive.

Currently, China only maintains one officially recognized foreign military base, located in Djibouti, a nation of strategic significance in the Horn of Africa. Yet, many analysts believe that China is actively building an overseas military network.

In contrast, the United States operates more foreign military bases than any other nation, including numerous facilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Up to now, only Chinese naval vessels have been authorized to utilize the newly constructed pier at Ream. In February, Japanese destroyers were redirected to the nearby Sihanoukville commercial port, while a Royal Australian Navy frigate was similarly directed there for a port call that concluded recently.

Maly reiterated Cambodia’s right to foster cooperation with various partners for its benefit, provided that these actions comply with constitutional regulations. “Cooperation must align with the principles of the Cambodian Constitution, particularly concerning the protection of its sovereignty, integrity, and independence,” she said.

Cambodia is known to be China’s closest ally in Southeast Asia, and in turn, China plays a crucial role as Cambodia’s primary ally and benefactor, significantly influencing the nation’s economy. China’s involvement in Cambodia extends beyond military endeavors, funding numerous infrastructure projects such as airports and roads, as well as private developments including hotels and casinos. Notably, approximately 40% of Cambodia’s $11 billion in foreign debt is owed to China.

Source: AP