China trades warships

China is poised to transfer two Type 056A corvettes and a deep-water pier to the Cambodian navy at the Ream naval base by the end of September 2024, as part of a significant military collaboration between the two nations. This transfer has raised concerns regarding China's strategic intentions in the Gulf of Thailand, especially as the facilities were developed exclusively by Chinese funding and have been off-limits to Cambodian personnel until now. Around 100 Chinese naval personnel have been working at the base, preparing it for the handover, which may grant the Chinese navy privileged access to the base despite Cambodia's constitutional prohibitions against hosting foreign military facilities. Analysts fear this development could lead to a semi-permanent Chinese naval presence in the region, which has prompted alarm among neighboring countries and U.S. policymakers. The Cambodian navy has been receiving training from the Chinese navy to operate these vessels since December, indicating a deepening military partnership. This situation underscores the growing military cooperation between China and Cambodia, as both countries seek to enhance their defense capabilities in the face of regional tensions.