Cambodia is the US-China rivalry’s latest front, as talk of base access alarms Washington
- Phnom Penh and Beijing both deny reports of a new base agreement, but undeniably closer cooperation has Washington on edge
- Ultimately, the growing rivalry between the two and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region means further militarisation appears inevitable
But speculation is rife about the Chinese getting exclusive access to a naval base in Cambodia for up to 30 years under a secret agreement. If recent reports prove correct, the Chinese will secure a permanent or semi-permanent military foothold in the Gulf of Thailand, on top of their already substantial control over a strategic corridor between the Spratly and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.
The two great powers are actually playing a similar game, given that America seeks new overseas military outposts as well. There is a race for “places and bases” in the Indo-Pacific region, and Cambodia is a valuable prize for the Chinese.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Chinese leadership denied that the two nations agreed on the expansion of the Ream Naval Base in southern Cambodia. However, the Cambodian government’s decision to back down from revamping such a facility with US support has reportedly aroused suspicion in Washington.
