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Japanese Warships Dock at Chinese-Renovated Ream Naval Base

Cambodia emphasizes the base's neutrality as Japan becomes the latest nation to make a port call at the strategically significant Gulf of Thailand site.

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Cambodia's Ream naval base off the country's southern coast has raised concerns in the United States

Overview

  • Two Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, Bungo and Etajima, made their first port call at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on April 19, 2025.
  • The base, renovated with significant Chinese investment, has been a focal point of U.S. concerns over China's expanding influence in Southeast Asia.
  • Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated that the base is open to all nations and denied exclusive use by any foreign power during its inauguration earlier this month.
  • The Japanese Embassy in Phnom Penh described the visit as a historic event aimed at building trust and confidence in the region.
  • Restricted media access during the Japanese visit has raised questions about transparency at the strategically located facility near the South China Sea.