Chinese upgrades to Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base ‘aimed at de-risking supply chains’
Joint training centre and carrier-ready pier reflect Beijing’s strategic efforts to diversify regional maritime access, observer says
Chinese and Cambodian officials, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), attended a ceremony at the Ream Naval Base to launch the new facilities on Saturday.
The upgrades include a joint logistics and training centre and a 650-metre (2,130-foot) pier that can handle big warships such as aircraft carriers – vessels that Cambodia’s navy does not have.
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The Chinese defence ministry said the facility was designed to “strengthen practical military cooperation” – supporting regional counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The ministry added that it “does not target any third party” – an apparent reference to US concerns about potential exclusive PLA access to the site.
Brian Wong, a fellow at the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong, said the facility reflected Beijing’s strategic efforts to diversify regional maritime access as part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative.
In particular, the base would improve access to the strategic Andaman Sea, bypassing chokepoints imposed by Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia, he said.