US Navy Ship Makes Historic Visit to Cambodia Amid Growing Tensions

A historic port call by the USS Savannah, a U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship, marked a significant moment in U.S.-Cambodia relations. The ship arrived at Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand for a five-day visit, the first such visit in eight years. This port call follows growing concerns over Cambodia's increasing military cooperation with China, which Washington sees as a potential threat to regional security.

During the visit, U.S. Navy officers, led by the commanding officer of the Savannah, Daniel A. Sledz, expressed satisfaction at the improved relationship between the U.S. and Cambodia. "It’s great to be back, returning U.S. presence here after eight years," said Sledz, a sentiment reflecting broader diplomatic efforts to repair ties. Cambodia's government, in turn, has emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in military-to-military relations.

This diplomatic gesture is framed within the larger context of regional geopolitics, particularly Cambodia's close ties with China. The U.S. has long voiced concerns about China's influence in Cambodia, especially regarding the Ream Naval Base near Sihanoukville. Reports of Chinese military involvement at the base have raised alarms in Washington, fearing Beijing may gain exclusive access to the facility, thus securing a strategic foothold near the Malacca Strait, a vital shipping lane.

Although Cambodia has repeatedly denied any such agreement that would grant China permanent use of the base, reports have surfaced suggesting that China is funding the base's expansion. Recent announcements revealed that Cambodia is set to receive two Type 56 corvettes from China to bolster its naval capabilities, a further point of concern for the U.S. government.

Despite these tensions, there has been a visible push from both sides to mend relations. In June, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia, where he discussed opportunities to bolster defense cooperation, including supporting regional peace and security. These talks were complemented by a broader dialogue on strengthening military exchanges between the two nations, including Cambodian officials' participation in U.S. military training programs.

The USS Savannah's visit, which includes working meetings with the commander of the Ream Naval Base and a "friendship sports competition" between U.S. and Cambodian naval personnel, signals the continuing diplomatic efforts to nurture a positive military relationship. Cambodian officials, such as Capt. Mean Savoeun, deputy commander of the Ream Naval Base, expressed optimism about the visit fostering closer diplomatic ties.

Despite the positive aspects of this visit, the U.S. remains cautious about Cambodia’s strategic alignment with China. Washington’s apprehension about the potential Chinese military presence in Cambodia's ports and naval facilities is unlikely to dissipate soon, especially given the broader context of competition for influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

While Cambodia's government continues to deny accusations of granting military privileges to China at the Ream Naval Base, Beijing’s investment in the base and its provision of warships to Cambodia could shift regional dynamics. This port call by the USS Savannah, therefore, becomes a symbolic reminder of the U.S.'s enduring interest in maintaining a presence in Southeast Asia, particularly as it grapples with China's expanding military footprint in the region.

The evolving relationship between Cambodia and the U.S., as reflected in the USS Savannah’s visit, highlights the complexities of diplomacy in Southeast Asia, where geopolitical rivalries intersect with local and international concerns. As the region navigates these challenges, the future of U.S.-Cambodia relations will likely depend on continued dialogue and careful balancing between competing interests.