Beijing claims practically the whole South China Sea as embodied in its so-called nine-dash line, though it has by no means exactly outlined what which means. This declare is at odds with the maritime claims of a number of Southeast Asian nations reminiscent of Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Dr. Abdul Rahman of the Lowy Institute notes that from a navy and tactical perspective, it might not be sensible for China to function from Ream to keep up a presence in regional waterways such because the South China Sea or the Strait of Malacca.
“(China) already operates a number of navy bases within the South China Sea, most of them constructed on synthetic islands. These bases, which function regional launch pads, would play a way more vital function than the Ream naval base,” he stated.
“Furthermore, the Ream naval base is positioned simply 30 kilometers from a cluster of Vietnamese navy services. It would make no sense for China to conduct tactical operations there, as this may danger compromising delicate info or permitting the Vietnamese to intercept or block its ships.”
According to Dr. Abuza of the National War College, China’s broader objective in establishing a navy presence utilizing the Ream base is to forestall the formation of a unified regional entrance towards its territorial claims within the South China Sea.
“China’s presence there permits it to concentrate on Vietnam, which has overlapping claims with Beijing within the disputed waters,” he defined. “It additionally reinforces China’s dominance over Cambodia, making the nation more and more depending on Beijing, not solely economically but in addition militarily.”
According to an ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute working paper printed in March 2023, China is Cambodia’s largest donor, lender, investor and bilateral buying and selling companion.
China has cemented its place as one in all Cambodia’s high buying and selling companions with a bilateral free commerce settlement that got here into impact in early 2022. The pact removes tariffs on 90 p.c of Chinese exports to Cambodia and 97.53 p.c of Cambodian exports to China.
Over the previous 5 years, Cambodia’s exports to China have grown at an annual charge of 10.2 p.c, from $1 billion in 2017 to $1.63 billion in 2022, in keeping with authorities knowledge.
China has additionally invested closely in Cambodia’s infrastructure, together with airports, roads and personal developments reminiscent of accommodations and casinos.
Data agency Seasia Stats experiences that Cambodia is the fourth largest recipient of Chinese assist in Southeast Asia, receiving $17.7 billion by 2024, behind Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos. This consists of monetary help, financial initiatives and development initiatives.
INCREASE REGIONAL TEMPERATURE?
Analysts are divided over whether or not rising navy ties between China and Cambodia might improve tensions within the area. Some consider so, significantly with Vietnam and, to a lesser extent, Thailand.
Dr Abdul Rahman famous that Hanoi can be significantly involved that China is utilizing Cambodia as a strategic lever to exert stress on its southern border, particularly in mild of the continued disputes within the South China Sea.
“Vietnamese officers view the event of air protection services in Ream as a critical safety menace, particularly if operated by China. Any air surveillance radar put in there might permit Chinese navy personnel to trace the actions of Vietnamese plane in southern Vietnam,” Dr. Abdul Rahman defined.
“Coupled with the opportunity of Chinese naval vessels working from Ream, China might finally pose a menace to Vietnam from each the north and the south.”
