Description

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Context

On April 5 2025 Cambodian Prime Minister inaugurated the expanded base.

China has funded and supported the base’s expansion with financial and technical assistance. Satellite imagery has reportedly shown Chinese warships at the base.

Cambodia maintains the base is for its national defense and rejects the notion of hosting foreign troops.

Overview

Ream Naval Base is situated on the Gulf of Thailand near Sihanoukville in Cambodia.

It has historically served Cambodia’s naval interests but has gained heightened strategic attention due to Chinese backed expansion.

The base is positioned along vital maritime routes and is close to the Strait of Malacca which is a crucial chokepoint for global trade and energy flows.

Strategic Significance

Regional Importance

Close proximity to the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca it is vital for Trade as over 60% of global maritime trade passes through the Indo-Pacific as well as Energy security especially for China.

China’s Strategic Ambitions

Part of China’s String of Pearls strategy to develop a network of military and commercial facilities across the Indian Ocean Region.

The base may allow China to:

Conduct blue water naval operationsin Southeast Asia.
Bypass the first island chainof U.S. allies encircling China.
Establish dual use facilitiesthat is both civilian plus military capabilities.

India’s Concerns

Encirclement through strategic assets in Pakistan (Gwadar), Sri Lanka (Hambantota), Myanmar (Kyaukphyu) and now Cambodia.

Challenges India’s maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.

Raises fears of a two-front pressure that is land that is China–India border and sea that is IOR.

Global Reactions and Implications

United States and Allies

The U.S. has publicly expressed concerns citing potential violation of Cambodia’s constitutional ban on foreign military bases.

Could undermine ASEAN centrality and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN Nations

Wary of increased militarization and power imbalance in Southeast Asia.

Fear being caught in a U.S. China rivalry.

Legal and Sovereignty Issues

Cambodia's Constitution that is Article 53 prohibits hosting foreign military bases.

The secrecy surrounding China’s role raises concerns about erosion of Cambodian sovereignty.

Broader Geopolitical Context

Aspect	Implication
China's Maritime Strategy	Strengthening PLA Navy presence in Indo-Pacific
U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy	Reinforcing alliances and naval presence
India’s Act East Policy	Urges deeper engagement with ASEAN & Quad
QUAD & ASEAN	Urged to ensure open and rules-based Indo-Pacific

Important Naval Bases in the Indo-Pacific Region

Naval Base	Country	Location	Foreign Involvement	Strategic Importance
Ream Naval Base	Cambodia	Gulf of Thailand (near Sihanoukville)	China(construction, funding)	Near Strait of Malacca; potential Chinese military outpost; concerns over PLA presence.
Gwadar Port	Pakistan	Balochistan coast, Arabian Sea	China (CPEC, long-term lease)	Access to Indian Ocean; critical to China's energy corridor; close to Iran & Gulf.
Hambantota Port	Sri Lanka	Southern Sri Lanka	China (99-year lease)	Near India’s southern tip; potential dual-use port; Chinese influence in IOR.
Changi Naval Base	Singapore	Singapore Strait	U.S., UK access	Close to Malacca Strait; refueling stop for US warships; vital global trade chokepoint.
Duqm Port	Oman	Arabian Sea	India, UK, U.S.	India has access; logistic hub for India in the western IOR.
Chabahar Port	Iran	Southeastern Iran (Makran Coast)	India (developed terminal)	Gateway to Afghanistan & Central Asia; counters Chinese influence at Gwadar.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands	Australia	Indian Ocean	Australia, U.S. access	Surveillance and strategic monitoring of IOR.
Diego Garcia	UK (British Indian Ocean Territory)	Central Indian Ocean	U.S. military base	Major U.S. base in IOR; strategic bomber and naval operations.
Cam Ranh Bay	Vietnam	South China Sea	U.S. warship visits allowed	Former Soviet base; being opened for multilateral cooperation; near contested waters.
Sabang Port	Indonesia	Near Andaman and Nicobar	India has access	Enhances India's eastern IOR presence; close to Malacca Strait.
Djibouti Naval Base	Djibouti	Horn of Africa	China’s 1st overseas military base	Proximity to Bab-el-Mandeb Strait; key for Red Sea and Africa operations.
Visakhapatnam	India	Eastern India	Indian Navy Eastern Command	Strategic base for Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific deployments.
Karwar (INS Kadamba)	India	Western coast, Karnataka	Indian Navy’s Project Seabird	Expanding blue-water navy capacity; largest naval base in South Asia (under expansion).
Andaman & Nicobar Command	India	Bay of Bengal	India (Tri-service command)	Closest Indian territory to Malacca Strait; critical for strategic surveillance.
Sihanoukville Port	Cambodia	Near Ream	China (civil + dual-use)	Complementary to Ream base; potential dual-use facility.

Observations

China is expanding dual use ports across the Indo Pacific under the String of Pearls strategy.

India is countering with access agreements like Duqm, Chabahar, Sabang and military diplomacy.

The region is witnessing an intensified naval buildup with US, India, China and other powers vying for strategic depth.

Sources:

FIRSTPOST

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The expansion of foreign-backed military infrastructure in Southeast Asia reflects the changing strategic landscape in the Indo-Pacific. Examine the significance of the Ream Naval Base in this context. How should India respond to such developments? (250 words)