The first Chinese navy ships to land at the new pier at the Beijing-affiliated Cambodian naval facility
The United States and certain foreign security analysts believe that the Cambodian naval facility is set to become a crucial outpost for Beijing’s military, and Chinese naval vessels are the first to land at the new pier there.
The two ships’ official docking, who went unnoticed, took place this week during Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission He Weddings’ official visit to Cambodia, China’s senior defense official.
The news of at least two Chinese ships landing at the Ream Naval Base in the Gulf of Thailand was leaked indirectly on Sunday, when Tea Seiha, the defense minister of Cambodia, posted on Facebook. It did not specifically identify China, but it stated he went to the base to check on infrastructure building progress and preparations for training of the Cambodian navy.
In addition, he shared pictures of Chinese Ambassador Wang Wundtian meeting Cambodian officials and Chinese seamen being examined. The images showed at least two warships, one of which was recognized as the Chinese naval corvette Wenchang by its gangway.
The Associated Press examined satellite images obtained on Sunday by Planet Labs PBC and found that there appear to be two Chinese vessels berthed at the facility. They line up with the pictures that Tea Sieh posted online.
The Wall Street Journal first revealed in 2019 that an early copy of an alleged agreement viewed by U.S. officials would provide China 30-year usage of Ream Naval installation, allowing it to station military troops, stockpile weapons, and berth vessels. This claim sparked controversy surrounding the installation.
