Japan sends more naval ships to China-linked base despite US concerns

A Japanese warship docks at a naval base's pier during a four-day visit at the Ream Naval Base, Cambodia, Saturday, 19 April 2025 - (Japanese Embassy to Cambodia via AP)

Japan has sent two naval ships to a Cambodian naval base which was recently upgraded using Chinese funds, heightening US concerns that it will be used as an outpost for China’s navy in the Gulf of Thailand.

The two Japanese naval ships docked at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base on Saturday. The two minesweepers are part of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force. Their visit marks the first foreign navy visit since the base's expansion project was completed earlier this month.