US Navy Ship Visits Cambodia for First Time in 8 Years as Relations Show Signs of Thaw

The USS Savannah's port call comes near a Chinese-funded naval base, highlighting strategic tensions in Southeast Asia.

The USS Savannah docked in Cambodia's Sihanoukville port for a five-day visit, marking the first US Navy port call in the country since 2016.
The visit is part of efforts to strengthen US-Cambodia ties, which have been strained over Cambodia's close relationship with China.
China has been funding renovations at the nearby Ream Naval Base, raising US concerns over potential Chinese military access in the Gulf of Thailand.
Cambodia's government denies granting China exclusive access to the base, despite Beijing's involvement in its expansion and recent joint military drills.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's June visit to Cambodia set the stage for renewed military cooperation, emphasizing regional security and bilateral engagement.