Overview

• Cambodia officially inaugurated the renovated Ream Naval Base on April 5, 2025, emphasizing its openness to ships from all nations, including an upcoming port call by a Japanese warship.
• The base, redeveloped with significant Chinese assistance, now features a new pier and dry dock capable of accommodating larger vessels, enhancing its operational capacity.
• Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated that the base would not be used exclusively by China, addressing long-standing U.S. concerns about potential strategic use by Beijing near the South China Sea.
• Chinese military officials described the base as a symbol of the strong China-Cambodia partnership and highlighted plans for joint operations, including counterterrorism and humanitarian efforts.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Cambodia later in April, further solidifying bilateral ties following China's substantial investment in the base's redevelopment.