Cambodia and China are set to embark on their annual joint military drills, the ‘Golden Dragon 2024’, a significant event in the geopolitical landscape, starting on Thursday, announced by the Cambodian Ministry of Defence. These drills, scheduled to run from May 16 to May 30, have raised concerns from the US about China’s potential use of a Cambodian naval base to extend its influence in the region. However, the Chinese Navy denies its plan to use Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base as one of its military outposts.
Cambodian army spokesman Thong Solimo announced the arrival of a Chinese warship in the coastal city of Sihanoukville on Monday morning. This warship brought a substantial number of troops and supplies, underlining the magnitude of the upcoming exercises. Solimo further revealed that a formidable force of over 2,000 troops, with 760 Chinese military personnel among them, will be participating in the drills. These drills, set to be conducted at a training centre in central Kampong Chhnang province and at sea off Preah Sihanouk province, are of a scale that cannot be ignored.
Cambodia has been a strong supporter of China, and has received significant investments from the country. In December, two Chinese warships made their first visit to Cambodia’s Ream naval base near the port city of Sihanoukville. The U.S. has expressed concerns that China’s upgrades to the base could provide them with a strategic position along the Gulf of Thailand’s coast near the disputed South China Sea, which China claims. However, Cambodian officials have consistently denied that the base is intended for use by any foreign power.
Last year, China and Cambodia conducted their first joint military naval exercises in Cambodian waters. The Chinese Defence Ministry reported that three ships from China and Cambodia collaborated on formation training and communication drills. Although military drills between the two countries are not uncommon, these exercises drew attention due to recent developments at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base. While neither side has disclosed specific details, Sihanoukville, one of the locations chosen for the drills, hosts the controversial Ream Naval Base.
The Ream Naval Base, strategically located in the region and utilised by the PLA Navy, has drawn attention due to China’s increasing influence in Cambodia. Recent satellite images revealed that two PLAN warships were docked for an extended period at the new pier despite repeated objections from the United States.
The report has highlighted serious concerns about the facility’s potential to facilitate the rapid deployment of warships and coastguard vessels throughout the region. The Ream base, with its aircraft carrier-sized pier and dry dock facilities, could greatly enhance the PLAN’s presence in the Bay of Bengal, potentially reshaping the regional balance of power.
Team BharatShakti
