China and Cambodia Conduct Annual Military Drills Amid Concerns Over Ream Naval Base

The presence of Chinese warships at the Cambodian base raises questions about potential long-term military intentions and regional security implications.

• China and Cambodia have commenced their annual 'Golden Dragon' military drills with over 2,000 troops participating.
• Concerns are rising about the prolonged presence of Chinese warships at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, which some analysts suggest may indicate a permanent Chinese military presence.
• Cambodia's Defense Ministry insists that the Chinese ships are present solely for the drills and denies any permanent foreign military deployment on its territory.
• The Ream Naval Base, upgraded with Chinese funding, is suspected by international observers to potentially serve as a strategic outpost for China in the Gulf of Thailand.
• The U.S. and other nations have expressed unease over China's growing influence in Cambodia, particularly in light of significant Chinese investments and military cooperation.

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South China Morning Post Voice of America (VOA News) Associated Press