Overview

• 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.