PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — A notable event is set to unfold next week as a U.S. Navy warship is scheduled to make a port visit in Cambodia, an ally of China in Southeast Asia. This marks the first such port call in eight years, according to an announcement made by Cambodian officials on Friday.
The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense revealed that the USS Savannah, classified as a Littoral Combat Ship with a crew of 103, will dock in Sihanoukville, located on the Gulf of Thailand, during the period from December 16 to December 20. This visit follows a formal request from the United States for a port call, with the ministry emphasizing that it aims to “strengthen and expand the bonds of friendship as well as promote bilateral cooperation” between the two nations.
While the U.S. has yet to officially announce the visit, there has been no comment from the U.S. Embassy situated in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Historically, the relationship between the U.S. and Cambodia has faced challenges, particularly due to U.S. criticisms regarding the Cambodian government’s approach to political repression and human rights issues.
Additionally, there are rising concerns in Washington regarding enhancements being made to a naval base in Cambodia near Sihanoukville, which the U.S. fears may be leveraged by Chinese forces to further their strategic interests in the region. The U.S., along with other nations, has expressed anxiety about potential plans for the Chinese navy to establish a presence at the Ream Naval Base, which would facilitate access to the Malacca Strait—a crucial maritime pathway connecting the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The Ream base, located along Cambodia’s southern coast, is in close proximity to Sihanoukville. The issue gained prominence in 2019, when reports emerged citing an initial draft agreement that would permit China the use of the base for 30 years, enabling them to station military personnel, store weapons, and dock warships. However, Cambodia’s government has dismissed claims of such an agreement, stressing that their constitution prohibits foreign military installations on their territory. Despite these assertions, Chinese development efforts at the base have persisted.
Although the USS Savannah will not be docking at the naval base, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense indicated that the visit will feature “a working meeting with the commander of the Ream Naval Base,” as well as discussions with local officials and a “friendship sports competition” involving members from both the U.S. Navy and the Cambodian Navy.
On Wednesday, Cambodia’s foreign ministry acknowledged the “positive momentum of bilateral ties and cooperation,” as well as the growing military-to-military cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodia. Earlier in June, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia, engaging with Prime Minister Hun Manet and other high-ranking officials. Austin also took the opportunity to meet with Cambodian participants of U.S. military training programs. Notably, Prime Minister Manet is an alumnus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.