China is set to provide two Type 056 corvettes to Cambodia, a request made by the Cambodian defense ministry, with delivery anticipated as early as 2025. These ships have previously been stationed at the Ream naval base, which has undergone significant upgrades funded by China. The United States has expressed concerns regarding China's potential exclusive access to this base, as it could facilitate access to the strategically important Malacca Strait, a vital shipping route for global trade [7725fb5f].
In December 2023, two Chinese warships docked at Ream for joint exercises, marking the first foreign use of the upgraded facilities. This development has heightened scrutiny over the nature of China's military presence in Cambodia. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen has publicly denied any secret agreements that would allow for a permanent Chinese military presence at the Ream naval base, emphasizing Cambodia's sovereignty and independence in its defense relations [7725fb5f].
The growing military ties between China and Cambodia are part of a broader trend of increasing Chinese influence in Southeast Asia, which has raised alarms in Washington and among regional neighbors. The U.S. has been closely monitoring these developments, as they could shift the balance of power in the region and impact maritime security in the South China Sea and beyond [7725fb5f].