REAM, Cambodia:  , Cambodia’s leader Hun Manet said on Saturday ( Apr 5 ) there was “nothing to hide” as he inaugurated a naval base renovated in recent years by China, after Washington had voiced concern over Beijing’s role in the upgrades.
The United States has said the Ream Naval Center, located off Cambodia’s southern beach, may give China a crucial strategic location in the Gulf of Thailand near the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims about in its totality.
Thai senior officials have repeatedly denied that the center is for use by any one foreign power, following US media reports in 2022 saying that the fresh facilities at Ream were being built for the exclusive use of the Foreign navy.
Military representatives from various countries attended a meeting on Saturday marking the opening of the renovated Scoop center, with Cambodia rolling out the red floor for a group from China’s People’s Liberation Army.
Prime Minister Hun Manet hailed the opening of the upgraded port at the event, where Cambodian and Chinese flags were flown.
” We hold the live inauguration today because we want both Cambodian people, and people and all forces around the world to stop casting doubt about it”, he said in a speech.
” From today Cambodia will welcome all friends to hold joint exercises in the Ream base. We have nothing to hide at all”, he added.
Hun Manet promised that the new and improved facility would not be for Beijing’s “exclusive” use and that ships from other countries would be allowed to dock.