China Donates Warships to Cambodia, Raising Strategic Concerns

The gift of two corvettes to Cambodia's navy sparks debate over China's expanding military influence in Southeast Asia.

China is giving Cambodia two Type 56 corvettes for coastal patrol and humanitarian missions.
The warships will be stationed at the Ream Naval Base, which has undergone significant upgrades funded by Beijing.
The upgraded base includes a new pier capable of hosting larger vessels, raising suspicions of a potential Chinese military presence.
Cambodia denies any plans for a Chinese military base, citing constitutional prohibitions.
The U.S. and regional powers are wary of China's growing influence in the strategically important Gulf of Thailand.