Recent satellite images of Cambodia’s Ream naval base have revealed the presence of two Chinese Type 056A corvettes, raising fears that China is expanding its military footprint in Southeast Asia. The development of a new Chinese-built pier and other facilities at Ream suggests that China’s involvement in the base may be more permanent than Cambodia’s government claims. Despite repeated denials from Cambodian officials, who cite their constitution’s ban on foreign military bases, suspicions persist regarding China’s long-term intentions at the strategically located base.

Cambodia’s Ream base, situated on the Gulf of Thailand, was previously upgraded with U.S. assistance until relations soured in 2017. Since then, the Cambodian government has shifted its military partnership to China, canceling U.S. joint exercises in favor of the “Golden Dragon” drills with Chinese forces. By 2020, U.S.-funded buildings at Ream were demolished, and the Chinese began an extensive expansion, culminating in the construction of a large pier that can accommodate China’s biggest warships.

While Cambodia insists the Chinese presence is temporary and the base remains open to all friendly navies, critics note that only Chinese warships have been allowed to dock there. Notably, during a visit by Japanese destroyers earlier this year, they were redirected to a nearby civilian port. U.S. officials have expressed growing concern about the implications of a long-term Chinese presence at Ream, as satellite images show the addition of a dry dock, warehouses, and living quarters.

The potential strategic benefits of a Chinese base at Ream are significant. Although China already operates three heavily fortified bases in the South China Sea, the base at Ream could provide critical intelligence-gathering capabilities, allowing China to monitor regional naval activities. This is particularly concerning for neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam. A permanent Chinese presence at the base could be seen as part of an effort to encircle Vietnam’s long coastline, heightening tensions between the two countries, which have clashed over maritime disputes in the past.

The implications of China’s involvement at Ream extend beyond Cambodia and its immediate neighbors. Strategists from the U.S. and India worry that the base could be part of China’s broader goal of establishing a global network of military outposts, a strategy already seen in places like Djibouti and potentially the Indian Ocean. While it may be years before China can rival the global military reach of the U.S., the developments at Ream suggest China is steadily expanding its influence, with potentially destabilizing effects on regional security.