US warship returns to Ream base in Cambodia after 8 years

Today (December 13), the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense announced the visit to Ream naval base next week of the littoral combat ship USS Savannah of the US Navy, marking the return of the US warship after 8 years.

Littoral combat ship USS Savannah

The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Savannah with a crew of 103 sailors will dock at Ream Naval Base, about 30 km from Sihanoukville, on December 16, according to AFP news agency citing an announcement from the Cambodian Ministry of Defense today, December 13.

The US warship's visit to Cambodia will last five days and include meetings between the ship's commander and port authorities and local officials.

The US ship's port call will "strengthen and expand friendly relations, as well as promote bilateral cooperation," according to Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense, adding that the visit is an "important milestone" towards improving US-Cambodia relations.

According to observers, the above move marks the Washington administration's effort to rebuild relations with Cambodia after the US in 2019 suspected Cambodia of signing a secret agreement with China related to the Ream naval base.

Cambodia 'green lights' US Navy to Ream base

However, Cambodian authorities have repeatedly denied the existence of the agreement, asserting that the country does not allow foreign forces to set up bases in the country. Beijing has also stressed that there is no such thing as a Chinese base in the Southeast Asian country.

Since 2022, China has provided financial support for the renovation of the Ream naval base.

Last December, Chinese warships first visited the port, and in May two more Chinese naval vessels anchored there during the largest-ever military exercise between the two countries, called Golden Dragon.

According to information from the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, a total of 27 US naval ships have visited the country since 2007.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tau-chien-my-quay-lai-can-cu-ream-o-campuchia-sau-8-nam-18524121315124217.htm