US warship docks in Cambodia

(Dan Tri) - On December 16, a US warship docked in Cambodia for the first time in eight years, in a move that Phnom Penh said showed an improvement in relations between the two countries.

Littoral combat ship USS Savannah (Photo: US Navy).

The US Navy ship USS Savannah has docked at Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand for a five-day visit, according to sources. The Savannah, classified as a littoral combat ship, carries 103 crew members.

“It’s great to be back, to have an American presence here after eight years,” the ship’s commanding officer, Daniel Sledz, told reporters briefly. A female Cambodian officer presented Mr. Sledz with a bouquet of flowers to welcome the ship to port.

Over the years, relations between the United States and Cambodia have become strained, with Washington concerned about China's growing influence in the country.

Since 2022, China has been funding the renovation of the Ream naval base – about 30km from Sihanoukville – a facility originally built in part with US funding.

Washington has expressed concern that Beijing could gain exclusive access to Cambodia’s naval base on the Gulf of Thailand, not far from where the Savannah docked. However, Cambodia has repeatedly said that no foreign military is allowed to use the base.

Last week, the Cambodian government said the USS Savannah's visit to the port city of Sihanoukville was aimed at "strengthening and expanding friendship" and "promoting bilateral cooperation between the two countries." The Cambodian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement noting the "positive momentum of bilateral relations and cooperation" and the "rebuilding of military cooperation " between Cambodia and the United States.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia in early June, where he held talks with Prime Minister Hun Manet and other senior officials. He also met with Cambodian alumni of US military training programs. Prime Minister Hun Manet himself is an alumnus of the US Military Academy at West Point.

At the time, the US Defense Department said Mr. Austin's discussions involved "opportunities to enhance the bilateral defense relationship in support of regional peace and security" and other issues.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/tau-chien-my-cap-cang-campuchia-20241216154547282.htm