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🗞️ China is building what and where?

🗞️ China is building what and where?

the geopolitical significance of the Ream Naval Base

Ross Crabtree
September 11, 2024

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Recent satellite images have exposed a reality that both China and Cambodia long denied: Beijing is quietly establishing a foothold at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base. Chinese warships have already begun docking at the newly expanded facility, marking a bold move in China's quest for military influence in Southeast Asia. But why is China building this naval base, and what does it mean for the delicate balance of power in the region?

Well, this development is far more than a routine infrastructure project. It represents a strategic power play with deep global consequences. By establishing a military presence in Cambodia, China is not only securing a critical maritime position but is also laying the groundwork for broader geopolitical ambitions that could challenge U.S. influence and destabilize the region. The question now is: How far will Beijing go, and can the West afford to stand by and watch?

China’s Expanding Influence in Cambodia

Over the past two decades, the relationship between China and Cambodia has transformed from primarily military cooperation to a multifaceted partnership that includes trade, development, security, and deep people-to-people ties. This shift has been accelerated by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has poured billions into Cambodia’s infrastructure and economy.

In 2010, the two nations elevated their partnership to a comprehensive strategic level, marking China’s rise to the highest diplomatic status in Cambodia’s foreign policy. The two countries now share what they describe as an “ironclad friendship,” underpinned by extensive economic cooperation. China’s investments in Cambodia have exceeded US $15 billion, focusing primarily on transport and energy projects.

However, this growing economic dependency has raised concerns. In 2023, China-Cambodia trade amounted to US $10 billion, but Chinese exports accounted for the majority, reflecting the imbalance in their economic relationship. For Cambodia’s ruling elites, Chinese aid has been vital in ensuring domestic political stability, particularly in the face of Western criticism over democratic backsliding.

Strategic and Geopolitical Significance of Ream Naval Base

The Ream Naval Base holds immense geopolitical significance for China. Located near the Malacca Strait, through which 70% of China’s energy imports flow, the base provides China with a critical foothold in Southeast Asia. It allows the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to project power into the Gulf of Thailand, the South China Sea, and potentially the Indian Ocean.

China’s strategy in Cambodia also goes beyond simple infrastructure development. Through its dual-use infrastructure, China has built projects that can serve both civilian and military purposes. The Ream Naval Base is a clear example of this approach. Despite denials from both Chinese and Cambodian officials, the recent construction of a 363-meter pier, capable of accommodating China’s largest naval vessels, underscores the military significance of the project.

This base is not only about defending China’s maritime interests but also about expanding its influence over vital sea routes and countering the U.S. presence in the region. By securing a strategic position near the South China Sea, China strengthens its ability to challenge regional rivals and assert its territorial claims.

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The U.S. Response and Regional Reactions

The United States has been increasingly vocal about its concerns over the Ream Naval Base. In 2019, reports emerged that Cambodia had signed a secret deal granting China exclusive access to the base, raising alarm in Washington. With the arrival of Chinese warships in late 2023, these fears were confirmed.

For the U.S., the Ream Naval Base represents a growing threat to its influence in Southeast Asia and a potential risk to vital maritime routes. The U.S. is particularly concerned that the base could be used by China to project military power across the South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand, and even into the Indian Ocean.

Cambodia, however, has tried to walk a fine line. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet, the country has sought to diversify its foreign policy, reaching out to the U.S., Japan, and South Korea to avoid becoming too dependent on China. While Cambodia’s ties with China remain strong, the government has recently welcomed U.S. officials, signaling a desire to balance its relationships.

Broader Geopolitical Implications

China’s growing military presence in Cambodia is part of its broader strategy to build a network of overseas military bases. The Ream Naval Base is China’s second overseas military outpost, following its base in Djibouti. These bases are part of China’s effort to secure its economic interests and increase its global power projection capabilities.

China’s investments in dual-use infrastructure in countries like Burma, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka reflect a strategy of expanding its military access to key regions. These facilities are designed to provide logistical support, monitor maritime routes, and, in times of conflict, support military operations. The Ream Naval Base is a crucial node in this network, giving China strategic control over one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

For Cambodia, this relationship with China offers economic benefits but comes with risks. While China’s aid has helped Cambodia develop its infrastructure, it has also made the country heavily dependent on Beijing. This dependency could undermine Cambodia’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy and may limit its options in navigating the complex power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.

What Next?

China’s decision to build a naval base in Cambodia is a reflection of its long-term strategic goals. By securing a foothold near the Malacca Strait, China is strengthening its position in Southeast Asia, expanding its military reach, and challenging the U.S.-led security architecture in the region.

For Cambodia, this partnership with China offers much-needed economic support but raises questions about the country’s sovereignty and independence. As Phnom Penh attempts to balance its relationships with both China and the West, the Ream Naval Base stands as a symbol of the geopolitical complexities that Cambodia must navigate.

What remains to be seen is how this growing Chinese military presence will impact the regional balance of power — and whether the U.S. and its allies will be able to counter China’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia.