A U.S. Navy warship, the USS Savannah, arrived in Cambodia on Monday, marking the first such visit in eight years to the nation, which has close ties with China in Southeast Asia. The port call at Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand is seen as a positive development in the often-strained relations between the United States and Cambodia.
The USS Savannah, a Littoral Combat Ship with a crew of 103, docked for a five-day visit, with the commanding officer expressing enthusiasm about the return of U.S. presence after nearly a decade. The visit comes amidst concerns about Cambodia's relationship with China, particularly regarding the Ream Naval Base near Sihanoukville.
Recent efforts to improve ties between the U.S. and Cambodia include a visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in early June, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. The Cambodian government has emphasized the importance of the visit in promoting friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
While Cambodia denies granting China special privileges at the Ream Naval Base, reports suggest that China's navy may be establishing a permanent presence there, raising concerns about Beijing's strategic interests in the region. The U.S. and other countries fear that China's access to the base could impact regional security, particularly in the critical Malacca Strait.
The Savannah's port call includes meetings with Cambodian naval officials and provincial authorities, as well as a friendly sports competition between the U.S. Navy and the Cambodian Navy. The visit is seen as an opportunity to enhance diplomatic cooperation and strengthen ties between the two countries.
Overall, the USS Savannah's visit to Cambodia signifies a significant step in the evolving relationship between the United States and Cambodia, highlighting efforts to foster mutual understanding and cooperation in the region.
