A senior commander of the US Army met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as part of an effort to enhance bilateral defense relations, amid growing tensions concerning China’s influence in the region. The meeting took place in Phnom Penh, following Washington’s concerns over the Ream naval base, renovated with Chinese assistance, which is situated off Cambodia’s southern coast and could potentially afford Beijing a strategic foothold in the resource-rich Gulf of Thailand, adjoining the contested South China Sea.
During the discussions, General Ronald Clark, the commanding general of the US Army Pacific, sought to reinforce collaboration with Cambodian military officials, including Army Commander Mao Sophan. Among the initiatives discussed was the resumption of the joint military exercise known as “Angkor Sentinel,” which had been halted in 2017 after seven years of participation. Clark emphasized the significance of expanding defense partnerships, reflecting a shift in US-Cambodia ties as the latter has deepened its relations with China, notably during the tenure of Hun Manet’s father, former Prime Minister Hun Sen.
On the same day, Hun Manet also engaged in talks with Yin Li, a Politburo member of the Chinese Communist Party, who commended the developments in cooperation across various sectors between Cambodia and China, signaling a continued alignment with Beijing amidst US endeavors to re-establish its foothold in the region.
China has been a major player in Cambodia’s infrastructure development, investing billions, and since 2022, has been behind the renovations at the Ream naval base, originally partially funded by the United States. This military facility has become a point of contention, particularly after Chinese warships docked at the newly upgraded pier late last year. In a notable US military presence, the USS Savannah made a port call in December 2024, marking the first American naval visit to Cambodia in eight years, coinciding with a visit from Admiral Samuel Paparo of the US Indo-Pacific Command. He acknowledged China’s existing ties with Cambodia while adopting a cautious stance regarding the developments at the Ream naval base, asserting a “wait-and-see” approach.
Despite these developments, Cambodian officials have consistently maintained that the naval base will not be used for foreign military purposes, as the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia continue to evolve. The outcomes of these talks between US and Cambodian military leadership could signal a new chapter in defense cooperation, as both nations navigate the complexities of their relationships with regional powers like China.
