Cambodia Inaugurates China-Renovated Ream Naval Base Amid U.S. Concerns

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday officially inaugurated the newly renovated Ream Naval Base, reaffirming transparency amid growing scrutiny over China’s role in the facility’s upgrades.

During a high-profile ceremony attended by military officials from multiple nations, including a Chinese military delegation, Hun Manet declared that “Cambodia has nothing to hide” regarding the purpose and accessibility of the base, located on the country’s southern coastline near the Gulf of Thailand. We have nothing to hide at all,” Hun Manet said in his address, as Chinese and Cambodian flags flew over the upgraded facility.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cao Qingfeng, a senior official from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), celebrated the project as a symbol of “iron-clad friendship” between Beijing and Phnom Penh. “This facility will inject new momentum into regional peace and security,” Cao said, highlighting plans for expanded joint military exercises, including the annual Golden Dragon drills in May.