SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia — A U.S. Navy warship made its presence known in Cambodia on Monday, marking the first visit of its kind in eight years to a nation that has been closely allied with China in Southeast Asia. The Cambodian government interprets this port call as a sign of improvement in relations that have often been strained.
The USS Savannah, categorized as a Littoral Combat Ship, arrived at the port of Sihanoukville, which faces the Gulf of Thailand, for a five-day stay. The warship is operated by a crew of 103 personnel.
“It’s wonderful to return and re-establish a U.S. presence here after an eight-year absence,” expressed the commanding officer of the ship, Daniel A. Sledz, during brief comments made to the media. He received a floral bouquet from a Cambodian officer and engaged in handshakes with multiple officials present.
Historically, the U.S. has encountered challenges in its relationship with Cambodia, often targeting the Cambodian government for its political repression and violations of human rights. There is particular scrutiny surrounding Cambodia’s close affiliation with China, with Washington expressing concerns that Beijing could gain exclusive access to a Cambodian naval base not far from Sihanoukville, where the USS Savannah has docked.
Efforts appear to be underway to mend these ties. Last week, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense announced that the U.S. had requested this port visit, which is aimed at reinforcing and expanding friendly relations while enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Two days prior, Cambodia’s foreign ministry highlighted “positive momentum in bilateral ties and cooperation,” as well as a revival of military collaboration between the nations. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin traveled to Cambodia in early June, where he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet and other high-ranking officials. He also connected with Cambodian individuals who had participated in U.S. military training programs, with Hun Manet being an alumnus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
During these discussions, the U.S. Defense Department emphasized the importance of enhancing the defense relationship between the U.S. and Cambodia in the context of regional peace and security. However, concerns persist regarding the expansion of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base near Sihanoukville, which may advance China’s interests within the region.
The U.S. and other nations have suggested that China’s navy is working to establish a permanent presence at Ream, which would facilitate access to the Malacca Strait—a vital shipping corridor that links the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. Controversy surrounding Chinese activities at Ream dates back to 2019 when it was reported that an early draft of an agreement suggested that China would have access to the base for 30 years, enabling it to station military personnel, store arms, and dock warships.
However, Cambodia contends that there is no such agreement or intention to grant exclusive privileges to China at the naval base, despite Chinese financial backing for its expansion. Additionally, in September, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry announced that China plans to provide two warships of the same type that have been docked at Ream for several months. The transfer of two newly constructed Type 56 corvettes—used mainly for coastal patrols—is anticipated next year, following a request from Cambodia for support.
The Savannah’s port visit is set to include a working meeting with the commander of the Ream Naval Base, discussions with local officials, and a friendly sports competition between the U.S. Navy and Cambodian Navy crews. Among those welcoming the Savannah to Sihanoukville was Cambodian Navy Capt. Mean Savoeun, the deputy commander of the Ream Naval Base. He expressed happiness over the strengthening relationship between Cambodia and the U.S., particularly regarding naval cooperation, and voiced optimism that this visit will foster closer diplomatic ties.
