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PHNOM PENH: The United States expressed disappointment on Tuesday that Cambodia had demolished a second US-funded military installation without warning, while the kingdom turns to China to expand a naval base.
This month, Cambodian authorities finished dismantling a maintenance facility at the Ream base, built in 2017 with US money, after razing a tactical naval headquarters there in September.
Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh confirmed the demolition to AFP on Tuesday, prompting a reprimand from the US embassy.
“We are disappointed that the Cambodian military authorities have demolished another US-funded maritime security facility, without notification or explanation,” embassy spokesman Chad Roedemeier told AFP.
Ream’s base is strategically located in the Gulf of Thailand, providing access to the disputed South China Sea, a key global shipping route.
Beijing claims most of the resource-rich sea, competing with six other countries.
The United States said last month it fears the demolitions may be linked to plans to house Chinese military assets and personnel at the Ream base.
But Tea Banh insisted that Cambodia was acting in its own interest and had no obligation to inform the United States of its plans.
“We do this for Cambodia totally, not to serve anyone (else). Cambodia has the right to seek help from anyone who wants to help Cambodia’s development, ”he said.
The Wall Street Journal reported last year on a secret draft agreement allowing China to dock warships at the Ream base.
The Cambodian government denied this in June and maintained that its foreign policy was independent.
Cambodia said the facilities were simply being relocated about 30 kilometers north of Ream because they had outgrown previous sites.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has repeatedly insisted that Cambodia’s constitution prohibits any foreign military bases within its borders.
In recent years, he has turned away from the United States after criticism from Washington of alleged abuses by his government.
