(Washington Reuters) Cambodia reiterated that China ’s Yunyang Naval Base assisted in the expansion was built to strengthen Cambodia’ s defense capabilities, and said that the US military was welcome to visit Hong Kong.
Chinese warships were previously photographed at the Yunyang Naval Base for a long time, causing attention.China is accused of establishing a long -term base for this base.
But Cambodia Deputy Prime Minister Sun Zhanto emphasized on Tuesday (October 1) at a lecture at the Washington Strategy and International Research Center: "Yunyang Naval Base was not built for China. China assisted us to expand the Yunyang Naval Base and use it.In our defense, not for China or any army to fight against other countries.
He also said that once the naval base is completed, as long as it is "for humanitarian and disaster rescue or joint military exercise," warships in any country can rely on Hong Kong.
But he also added that if the US Navy depends on Hong Kong, it is recommended to bring small ships, because the water of Yunyang Naval Base is very shallow, and large ships may be trapped.
In recent years, the relationship between the United States and Cambodia has been intensive. Washington has expressed dissatisfaction with the Cambodian government's disintegration of the domestic opposition party and is worried about China's increasing influence in Cambodia.
Yunyang Naval Base faces the Thai Bay, near the South China Sea and the Malacca Strait.The upgrade of the base was supported by China and officially started in June 2022.
The location of the Yunyang Naval Base was a place for the United States and Cambodia to conduct joint naval training and exercises, but Cambodia demolished the facilities built in the United States in October 2020.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin visited Cambodia in June this year to discuss restarting the US -Cambodian military training and exchanges, including in terms of thunder and unprepared ammunition cleaning.
Cambodia has repeatedly denied that Yunyang Naval Base will become China's special naval supply facility in Southeast Asia.
A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United States also responded earlier that Cambodia has stated that the Constitution has banned foreign countries from establishing a military base in Cambodia and reiterated that the upgrade project of Yunyang base is to strengthen Cambodia's military capabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China had previously pointed out in the media inquiry that the Cambodian Constitution did not allow foreign countries to build a military base in Cambodia, and criticized the United States to ignore the establishment of Cambodia, repeatedly maliciously speculated, and even pressure on Cambodia. It is a typical bullying act.Essence
