China will gift Cambodia's navy two corvettes, according to Cambodia's Defense Ministry. The Type 56 ships, smaller vessels intended for coastal patrols, are expected next year. This action highlights China's increasing influence in the region and the strategic significance of Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, currently under Chinese-funded expansion.
Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata confirmed the transfer and noted it aims to bolster Cambodia's maritime capabilities for defense and humanitarian operations. In addition, Maly confirmed that construction at Ream is near completion but refrained from commenting on whether China would also hand over the recently enhanced facilities. The US and other nations have raised alarms over potential Chinese military dominance in the Gulf of Thailand, particularly due to the strategic access it offers to the Malacca Strait.
The deployment of two Chinese corvettes at Ream Base since December has intensified these concerns. The controversy dates back to a 2019 report suggesting a 30-year agreement for Chinese military use of the base. Analysts speculate that providing the corvettes might allow China to use the base without overtly violating Cambodia's constitution, which prohibits foreign military installations. Amid the geopolitical complexities, China remains Cambodia's closest ally, heavily investing in its infrastructure and economy.
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Word Count: 195 (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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