Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet officially reopened the renovated Ream Naval Base on Saturday, emphasising that the country has “nothing to hide” amid ongoing concerns from the United States about China's involvement in the project. The naval base named Ream, situated on Cambodia’s southern coastline, was upgraded with assistance from China. The U.S. has expressed worries that the base might offer China a strategic edge in the contested South China Sea.

American officials have voiced fears that the Chinese navy could use the facility solely. However, Cambodian authorities have consistently denied these claims, stating that the base is open to all countries. At the inauguration ceremony, which saw participation from military representatives of several nations, Hun Manet welcomed a Chinese military delegation and reiterated that the base is available for joint military exercises with any international partner. “From today, Cambodia will welcome all friends to hold joint exercises at Ream. We have nothing to hide,” he stated.

At a recent event, Chinese military official Cao Qingfeng described the Ream naval base as a symbol of the firm and enduring friendship between China and Cambodia. He said the base would enhance regional security and be used for joint military drills, including the upcoming Golden Dragon exercises in May.

Cambodia has maintained a close relationship with China for years. During the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, the father of the current Prime Minister Hun Manet, China poured billions into Cambodia’s infrastructure while the country’s relations with the United States grew weaker. Hun Manet also mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Cambodia later this month.

China has been assisting in the modernisation of the Ream base since 2022. Interestingly, the base was initially built with some financial support from the U.S. Concerns in the West about Chinese intentions at the base since 2019, when reports emerged about a possible secret agreement allowing China exclusive access to the site.

In 2023, Chinese naval vessels started arriving at the Ream base, and Cambodia is also expecting to receive two Chinese warships to strengthen its defence capabilities.

While tensions remain, the United States has recently tried to rebuild ties. In December, a U.S. warship docked in the nearby port city of Sihanoukville, the first visit of its kind in eight years. This was followed by a visit from a senior U.S. Army official in February. Cambodia recently announced that a Japanese warship would be the first to visit the upgraded Ream naval base.