(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Cambodia has announced that China will provide two corvette warships free of charge to enhance its defense capabilities, in yet another sign of the close military ties between the two nations.
The warships, identified as Type 056C Jiangdao-class corvettes, can be equipped with various weapon systems, including YJ-83 anti-ship missiles.
The Chinese Navy currently operates up to 72 Type 056 Jiangdao-class corvettes, though some have been transferred to the China Coast Guard.
Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata stated that China will deliver the two warships to the Southeast Asian nation as early as next year.
The vessels are being built specifically for Cambodia and are expected to be completed and handed over next year.
Type 056 Jiangdao-class corvette
“The primary objective is to strengthen Cambodia’s capacity to maintain peace, security, and support search and rescue operations, as well as humanitarian activities in its waters,” she said.
China has also reportedly financed renovation work at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, which was initially built with funding from the United States.
Washington claims the base could grant China access to the Gulf of Thailand near the South China Sea.
Last year, senior Cambodian officials denied foreign media reports that a 363-meter jetty built at Ream Naval Base was intended for use by Chinese aircraft carriers.
The Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson also mentioned that the first phase of the Ream base expansion project has been completed, and the second phase is currently underway, with completion expected soon.
Type 056 Jiangdao-class corvette
She further denied that the base would be used by foreign military forces, emphasizing that Cambodia would not allow any foreign nation to establish military bases on its territory.
In recent years, senior Cambodian defense officials have acknowledged that China will assist the Southeast Asian country in modernizing and upgrading its strategic naval base at Ream.
Cambodian officials have also clarified that China is not the only nation that will have access to the Ream naval base, which faces both the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
“China’s contribution to Ream Port development is aimed at enhancing Cambodia’s maritime defense sector, providing adequate space and workshops for ship repairs,” a senior Cambodian official said in 2022.
“Their (China’s) assistance is unconditional, and Cambodia greatly appreciates it.”
Ream Naval Base, Cambodia
Phnom Penh has also confirmed that it demolished several buildings constructed by the United States at Ream Naval Base, citing modernization efforts.
In recent years, Cambodia has emerged as one of the most vocal defenders of China’s interests within ASEAN, often aligning with Beijing’s policies, particularly concerning the South China Sea disputes. — DSA