China’s First Indo-Pacific Military Base on the Cards

The defence ministry spokesperson emphasized that there would be no Chinese financing, assistance, or presence at these installations, despite concerns raised by the US government that the Ream naval base is being transformed into China's second overseas military base and first in the Indo-Pacific region.

While the upgrades could strengthen Cambodia's military infrastructure, experts believe they would also increase Ream's strategic significance for China and improve monitoring capabilities, given the two countries' longstanding history of military cooperation and ties. The US Department of Defence released a report in November 2022 suggesting that Beijing is considering building more military logistical centers in Cambodia and other nations to assist its naval, air, and ground forces, but warned that this would involve concealing the true extent of China's political and military interests in the region.

US embassy spokesperson Stephanie Arzate urged Cambodia to review agreements made with Beijing to ensure they do not compromise sovereignty and regional stability. The establishment of a Chinese naval facility at Ream could help China build a network of military outposts worldwide, but the site's shallow seas and lack of air strike protection limit its military capabilities. Nevertheless, the location could be advantageous for intelligence-gathering activities related to Cambodia's neighboring countries.

Although China is funding the construction at Ream Naval Base, Cambodia's defense minister has previously stated that China will not be the only country given access to the location. The base could potentially serve as an operational base for the Chinese coast guard, and the Dara Sakor International Airport, part of a large tourism development project near Ream, could be utilised as a Chinese air force base, according to the Pentagon. However, Cambodian authorities deny the presence of foreign armies on the territory and emphasise that the country cannot give up its territorial integrity, as hosting foreign bases is prohibited by law.