Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday said there was “nothing to hide” as he inaugurated a naval base renovated in the past few years by China, after Washington voiced concern over Beijing’s role in the upgrades.
The US has said the Ream Naval Base, off Cambodia’s southern coast, could give China a key strategic position in the Gulf of Thailand near the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety.
Construction of a new pier to accommodate much larger ships, a dry dock for repairs and other features was completed in the past few weeks.
Photo: EPA-EFE
Cambodian senior officials have repeatedly denied that the base is for use by any single foreign power, following US media reports in 2022 saying that Beijing has been secretly granted special and exclusive privileges to use the base.
Military representatives from several nations yesterday attended a ceremony marking the inauguration of the renovated Ream base, with Cambodia rolling out the red carpet for a delegation from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Hun Manet hailed the opening of the upgraded port at the event, where Cambodian and Chinese flags were flown, adding that the ceremony was taking place two weeks ahead of a visit to Cambodia by Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平).
“We hold the live inauguration today because we want both Cambodian people, and people and all forces around the world to stop casting doubt about it,” he said in a speech.
“From today, Cambodia will welcome all friends to hold joint exercises in the Ream base. We have nothing to hide at all,” he added.
Hun Manet promised that the new and improved facility would not be for Beijing’s “exclusive” use and that ships from other countries would be allowed to dock.
He praised Xi’s government for help in building the expansion and other projects, describing bilateral relations as good and strong.
The ceremony featured remarks from Cao Qingfeng (曹青鋒), a senior member of the Chinese Central Military Commission, who said the port symbolized the “iron-clad friendship” between the two nations and would “inject new momentum into regional security.”
He added that the base would be used for joint military exercises, including the annual Golden Dragon drills next month.
A contingent of at least 100 Chinese sailors who have been on temporary duty at the base also took part, marching and singing.
Last month, Cambodia said a Japanese warship would be the first to dock at the Ream base.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed Cambodia’s invitation to Japanese ships, but refused to give any specifics, citing regular operational security regulations.
Additional reporting by AP
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