AKP Phnom Penh, May 21, 2025 --

The Ministry of National Defence has firmly rejected recent reports by RFA Khmer and several international media outlets regarding the Ream Naval Base, describing the allegations as harsh, provocative, and malicious, and warning they could cause public confusion.

H.E. Gen. Chhum Socheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, made the official statement this morning, strongly refuting the claims.

“The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia have consistently reaffirmed that Cambodia is a neutral country. The Cambodian Constitution strictly prohibits the use of Cambodian territory by any foreign country as a military base,” he stated.

H.E. Gen. Chhum Socheat highlighted that following the modernisation of the Ream Naval Base, Cambodia has hosted a number of foreign naval vessels. The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force was the first to dock at the upgraded port, followed by vessels from Vietnam, China, and other countries.

This demonstrates Cambodia's sovereign control over the base’s operations, the spokesperson stressed.

During the inauguration of the Cambodia–China Ream Joint Logistics and Training Centre at Ream Naval Base on April 5, 2025, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet reiterated that Cambodia welcomes military vessels from all friendly nations for joint training purposes.

H.E. Gen. Chhum Socheat clarified that all foreign military vessels, including those from China, must seek prior approval from Cambodian authorities before docking at the Ream Naval Base.

“We hope to welcome more warships from friendly countries in the future,” the spokesperson said.

By C. Nika