Despite suggestions by some international commentators that Cambodia-China relations have cooled, Prime Minister Hun Manet has shared that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Cambodia in two weeks.

He confirmed the visit during the April 5 inauguration ceremony of the newest Ream Naval Base facilities, which include a new pier, modernised infrastructure and the Cambodia-China Joint Logistics and Training Center.

A senior Chinese military official explained that both Cambodia and China will use the training centre to safeguard regional security and freedom, as well as to strengthen bilateral military ties between Cambodia and China. He added that the centre will host joint military exercises between China and Cambodia from this year onwards.

The Ream Naval Base has attracted close scrutiny from many Western countries, with some pundits claiming that the base will be for the exclusive use of Chinese forces, posing a threat to regional security and undermining Cambodia’s sovereignty and independence.

During the ceremony, Manet reiterated that the Kingdom cherishes its sovereignty and independence, and that the base compromises neither of these essential things.

“From this day forward, we expect that there will be various attacks and interpretations. I want to take this opportunity to clarify clearly that Cambodia, under the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party government, has no intention  —whether in the past, present or future — of violating its own constitution by allowing any country or military to establish an exclusive base on Cambodian soil,” he said.

He noted that Cambodia and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces should be proud to have the modernised facility.

Prime Minister Hun Manet passes a guard of honour during the inauguration ceremony of new facilities at the Ream Naval Base on April 5. STPM