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US Navy visits Cambodia, the first for 30 years

The USS Gary docked in this Cambodian port yesterday, becoming the first US military craft to visit the country in more than 30 years.

The visit, which diplomatic sources say is a first step in expanding military ties with Cambodia, comes amid concerns over China's growing influence in the region.

"Symbolically this is very important," said US ambassador to Cambodia Joseph Mussomeli, who was aboard as the ship came into port.

"It shows how far Cambodia has come and [that it] is taking its rightful place among our community of nations," he said.

"Absolutely this shows an expansion, a deepening of relations -- not just military, but humanitarian and diplomatic," he said.

Like most Western countries, the US abandoned Cambodia in 1975 when the ultra-leftist Khmer Rouge seized power, beginning what would become nearly 15 years of isolation for the tiny Southeast Asian nation.

Following the 1979 fall of the regime, which received significant aid from China, Cambodia was occupied by Vietnam for a decade. Much of the power structure put in place by Hanoi during that time remains today.

downplayed

Mussomeli downplayed the timing of the vessel's visit, which comes as China is expanding its military as well as increasing aid to Cambodia, including providing military hardware.

Beijing in 2005 gave Cambodia six patrol boats to bolster its ageing naval fleet.

In an interview last month, US Admiral Gary Roughead, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, acknowledged China's military build-up and its potential impact on the region.

China "has clearly begun a concerted effort to see their capability and capacity increase," he said.

"What is their intent? How do they view their role in the region? ... Those are still things that are a question mark," he added.

Cambodian officials said that the Gary's visit did not signify a change in Washington's policy not to supply Cambodia with military materials.

"No equipment," said Navy General Khun Borin, deputy commander of the Ream Naval Base.

"Perhaps the United States can receive our officers" for training, he said.

The Gary, a 4,100-tonne guided missile frigate, will remain in port for four days, during which US personnel will provide medical care at a nearby village, as well as provide toys and clothing to a local orphanage.

US sailors will also compete against their Cambodian counterparts in sporting events.

"We are going to engage not only on the military level, but on the community level," said the Gary's captain, Commander Joe Deleon.
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