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[GLOBAL SOUTH] Is China Building a New Military Base in Cambodia? Maybe. Probably.
The China in Africa Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia causing controversy?
The Ream Naval Base, undergoing renovations by Chinese contractors, has sparked controversy due to suspicions that it could become a Chinese military outpost. Although both governments deny these claims, the base's upgraded pier, capable of docking an aircraft carrier, and the presence of Chinese frigates fuel these concerns.
What is the official stance of the US and China regarding the Ream Naval Base?
The U.S. expresses concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the Ream base project and the potential threat to Cambodia's autonomy and regional security. China maintains that the renovations are part of normal assistance to Cambodia, aimed at strengthening its maritime defense capabilities and not targeting any third party.
What evidence supports the claim of a Chinese military presence at the Ream base?
Satellite imagery reveals a lengthened pier suitable for warships, storage facilities, and possible fuel tanks and dry docks. Reports indicate restricted access for Chinese military personnel, and two Chinese frigates were stationed there for much of 2024, later donated to Cambodia.
Why would China be interested in a base in Cambodia?
While not significantly expanding China's power projection capabilities, the Ream base offers an additional route to the South China Sea, potential for intelligence gathering on activities in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Straits of Malacca, and improved situational awareness.
How does the Ream base fit into China's broader security strategy?
The Ream base aligns with China's focus on the Western Pacific, where it has numerous ongoing disputes, particularly with Taiwan. It also serves to protect vital sea lines of communication through the Indian Ocean, crucial for transporting resources like oil and gas to China.
Are regional governments as concerned about the Ream base as the United States?
While official commentary is muted due to political sensitivities, experts and conversations suggest regional concerns exist. Vietnam worries about Chinese encirclement, Thailand is wary of the changing security balance with Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian nations are apprehensive about growing Chinese presence in the region.
What has been learned from China's base in Djibouti?
The Djibouti base primarily supports anti-piracy patrols, evacuation operations, and training activities, similar to pre-base operations. Although capable of hosting larger vessels, no aircraft carriers have been deployed there. The base also exemplifies coexistence with other military presences, such as joint firefighting efforts with U.S. personnel.
What is the likely future of Chinese overseas military presence?
Experts anticipate modest facilities along crucial sea lines of communication, rather than large-scale bases. These facilities will likely include rotational presences like Ream, dual-use commercial ports, and primarily commercial ports with limited military support capabilities.
Why does the US narrative on Chinese basing seem overblown?
Analysis from organizations like the Rand Corporation suggests that Chinese overseas bases, lacking sufficient protection and reliant on vulnerable supply lines, pose a limited threat to U.S. operations, at least in the near term. This contradicts the more alarmist rhetoric coming from Washington.
- Renovations at Ream Naval Base raise suspicions of a future PLA Navy outpost.
- Both Chinese and Cambodian governments deny military intentions.
- US expresses concerns about lack of transparency and potential threat to regional security.
- China denies allegations and highlights assistance to Cambodia's maritime defense.
Shownotes Transcript