China

Report: China Allegedly Building a Naval Base in Cambodia

JUN 7 2022·Updated AUG 5 2022

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Image credit: globaltimes

The Facts

China has been accused of building a naval facility on the northern portion of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, expanding its military presence in Southeast Asia.
Business Insider
On Wed., a ceremony gathering thousands of representatives from both countries broke ground on the renovation of the port. Officials denied claims that it would be used by the Chinese military.
Global Times
However, US State Dept. spokesman Ned Price said on Mon. such allegations are "consistent with credible reporting" about Beijing's engagement in the renovation project.
The Washington Post
China has only acknowledged one foreign naval base so far, located in Djibouti. If its presence at Ream Naval Base is confirmed, it would give the PRC a facility that faces the Gulf of Thailand, with a strategic location near the Malacca Strait.
The Washington Post
The US has been concerned for some years about Beijing's military presence at the base. A secret deal to grant China access to it was reported in 2019.
guardian
This speculation comes as China makes a diplomatic push in the Pacific, deepening ties with Pacific Island nations. In April, the PRC struck a security deal with the Solomon Islands.
ITN

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-China narrative

This is a regular infrastructure cooperation project that will promote peace, prosperity, and stability in Southeast Asia. Despite Cambodia's constitution forbiding the establishment of foreign military presence on its soil, Chinese actions are still misreported to reinforce the false "China Threat" narrative and justify the aggressiveness of the West.

Global Times

Anti-China narrative

Beijing is moving fast to build a global network of bases to support its naval expansion as it seeks to expand its economic, political and military influence around the world. China lied before when it vowed not to militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea, and its denials about establishing a base in Cambodia can't be trusted either.