A US warship is making a friendship visit to a Cambodian naval base upgraded with China’s help

U.S. Navy Warship Makes Historic Visit to Cambodia’s Chinese-Renovated Ream Naval Base

The USS Cincinnati docked at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base on Saturday, marking the first visit by a U.S. Navy vessel since the completion of Chinese-funded renovations at the facility early last year. The arrival signals a potential warming of military relations between the United States and Cambodia amid ongoing concerns about China’s growing influence in the region.

The Independence-class littoral combat ship, designed to operate in shallow waters close to shore, arrived with approximately 100 crew members who will participate in sporting events and other community activities in nearby Sihanoukville during their four-day visit from January 24-28.

“At this location our government has worked very hard to build this port so that all foreign vessels that wish to dock in Cambodia can do so,” said In Sokhemra, deputy commander of the base, while addressing reporters gathered alongside the ship. “We have succeeded in this effort, and we are open from this moment forward for all to enter. Whether it is American ships, Australian, Japanese or any other ships that wish to dock in Cambodia, this port is ready for you.”

The base has been a source of international controversy since 2019, when reports emerged of a potential 30-year agreement granting Chinese military exclusive access to the strategic Gulf of Thailand facility. While China funded the base’s expansion, including a new pier and dry dock, Cambodian officials have consistently denied any exclusive arrangement with Beijing.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, who presided over the base’s reopening in April 2025, has maintained that Ream is open to friendly nations for joint exercises, provided visiting vessels are not too large for the facility. Cambodia has been one of China’s closest allies in Southeast Asia, with Beijing providing substantial aid and investment to the country.

According to a Cambodian Navy statement released Saturday, 37 U.S. warships have visited Cambodian facilities between 2003 and 2026. However, until recently, U.S. military vessel visits had become rare. The USS Savannah made a five-day stop at Sihanoukville’s civilian port in December 2024, which was the first such visit in eight years amid strained bilateral relations.

The U.S. Navy described the Cincinnati’s port call as reaffirming a “shared commitment to regional security, peace and prosperity.” Captain Matt Scarlett stated, “We are always excited to work alongside our partners and continue to build a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations.” During the visit, the crew will conduct ship tours and meet with key Cambodian leaders.

The timing of the visit coincides with scheduled meetings between Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the naval exchange.

This military engagement follows recent efforts to improve U.S.-Cambodia defense relations, notably marked by then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit in 2024, during which he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet to discuss bilateral cooperation in regional security. Both leaders share a connection as graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The Cincinnati’s visit represents a significant step in the complex geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia, where China’s expanding influence has prompted increased diplomatic and military attention from the United States. The port call demonstrates Cambodia’s stated commitment to maintaining open access to its naval facilities while navigating relationships with both global powers.

For regional observers, this naval exchange may signal Cambodia’s attempt to balance its close ties with China while maintaining constructive relations with the United States and other nations in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.