A naval base renovated by China opened in Cambodia today, but which, according to announcements from the authorities in Phnom Penh, will not be used "exclusively" by the Chinese military.
A Chinese military delegation was present at the opening ceremony of the base in Ream, southwest Cambodia, today, as well as representatives of the armies of other countries, according to AFP.
"There is nothing to hide" about this naval base, where ships from other countries could also dock, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The base was not renovated "exclusively" for Chinese forces, the prime minister said.
Washington fears that the base in front of the Gulf of Thailand will provide Beijing with a strategic position at the gateway to the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely.
Chinese military officials said the port was a symbol of Sino-Cambodian "unwavering friendship" and added that it would be used during joint military exercises, including the "Golden Dragon" maneuvers planned for May.
China has been contributing to the reconstruction of the Ream naval base, originally built with American funds, since 2022.
Phnom Penh is a long-time ally of Beijing.
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