Chinese Foreign Minister Visits Cambodia, Reaffirming Support for One-China Policy

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Cambodia from April 21-23, 2024, to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. During the visit, Wang and his Cambodian counterpart, Foreign Minister Hun Manet, reaffirmed Cambodia's support for China's one-China policy regarding Taiwan and its commitment to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The two countries also agreed to bolster defense cooperation, including joint drills and training. This visit comes amid escalating tensions between China and other Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam, in the South China Sea. However, Cambodia has maintained close ties with China, which is its biggest benefactor and ally.

Why this matters: The reaffirmation of ties between China and Cambodia has focused attention on the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia, which has raised concerns that it could be used as a Chinese military outpost in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit also coincides with joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The visit has brought renewed attention to the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia, which has been the subject of suspicion that it could host Chinese naval vessels and serve as a Chinese military outpost in the region. While Cambodia has denied any intention to allow the Chinese military to enter the country, satellite images have shown progress in the construction of the naval base, with the presence of Chinese warships at the port.

During the visit, Wang and Hun Manet also pledged to strengthen defense cooperation, conduct joint exercises, and combat transnational crimes. Cambodia expressed its continued support for China's Belt and Road Initiative and reaffirmed its backing of China's positions on Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

The visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Cambodia has reinforced the strong ties between the two countries, with Cambodia reaffirming its support for China's one-China policy and its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. While Cambodia has denied intentions to allow a Chinese military presence at the Ream Naval Base, the ongoing construction and presence of Chinese warships have raised concerns about the potential for the base to serve as a Chinese military outpost in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.

Key Takeaways

• China's FM visited Cambodia, reaffirming bilateral ties and support for one-China policy.
• Cambodia pledged to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative and boost defense cooperation.
• Ream Naval Base in Cambodia raises concerns about potential Chinese military presence in the region.
• Visit coincides with US-Philippines military exercises in the South China Sea, highlighting regional tensions.
• Cambodia's close ties with China, its biggest benefactor, have drawn attention to its strategic position.