Summary
A U.S. warship, the USS Cincinnati, visited Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, which was recently upgraded with Chinese funding. This marks a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Cambodia to maintain a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region, despite China's significant military presence at the base. The visit also highlights the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Cambodia in the region.
Key Facts
- The USS Cincinnati, a type of warship called an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, visited Cambodia's Ream Naval Base.
- The Ream Naval Base was upgraded last year with funding from China.
- The U.S. Navy and Cambodia are working together for regional security in the Indo-Pacific area.
- China has a joint logistics and training center at the base, used by both Chinese and Cambodian militaries.
- The visit is part of efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea.
- Littoral combat ships are designed to operate close to shore and are agile and fast.
- Japan was the first foreign country to visit the upgraded base, sending ships last year.
- The Pentagon reports that China continuously maintains a rotating presence of ships at the base.
