In a significant development at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, the USS Cincinnati has become the first U.S. Navy warship to dock there since the base underwent a renovation funded by China last year. This event has sparked discussions on international military dynamics and Cambodia’s role in regional security.
The newly constructed pier and dry dock at Ream have been sources of contention for Washington, raising suspicions of possible exclusive Chinese military access. Despite funding the expansion, Beijing’s alleged 30-year agreement with Cambodia for military use has been consistently denied by Cambodian authorities, who assert that the base is open to all friendly nations for joint exercises.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, who managed the base’s reopening in April 2025, emphasized Cambodia’s openness to international collaboration, provided the vessels are of appropriate size for the facility. The USS Cincinnati, an Independence-class littoral combat ship designed for operations near the shore, is set to engage in community activities in Sihanoukville during its stay from January 24 to 28.
In Sokhemra, the deputy commander of the Ream Naval Base, highlighted the efforts made to ensure the port’s accessibility to international vessels. “We have succeeded in this effort, and we are open from this moment forward for all to enter,” he stated, inviting ships from multiple nations, including the United States, Australia, and Japan.
Historically, U.S. warships have made 37 visits to Cambodian ports since 2003. However, interactions had cooled until the USS Savannah’s visit to Sihanoukville in December 2024 marked the first U.S. military presence in eight years. The current visit by the Cincinnati serves as a platform for enhancing naval cooperation, focusing on future training and development initiatives.
The presence of the USS Cincinnati coincides with a meeting between Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha. This engagement signifies a continued effort to restore military relations, a process that began with the 2024 visit of then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Austin’s discussions with Hun Manet, both West Point graduates, were pivotal in rekindling bilateral ties.
