BEIJING — On Sunday, April 6, China and Cambodia held joint military drills at the newly expanded Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, a site that has raised concerns in the United States over potential Chinese military presence. The exercises, which followed the official inauguration of the upgraded facility a day earlier, featured naval maneuvers such as ship formation drills, as reported by China Central Television on Sunday evening.

According to China’s state-run Global Times, future joint exercises are expected to increase in frequency and scale, potentially including land and air operations. Chinese military experts cited by the outlet said such activities aim to promote "peace and stability in the South China Sea." Chinese warships have been making regular stops at Ream since June 2022, when renovations funded by Beijing began. This followed Cambodia's 2020 demolition of a U.S.-constructed facility at the base, after declining an American offer to repair it.

Despite speculation about a secret agreement allowing a permanent Chinese military presence, Cambodia has repeatedly denied such claims. The Cambodian government insists that the base remains open to vessels from other nations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and a delegation from China’s People’s Liberation Army were present at Saturday’s inauguration, which unveiled a new pier designed to accommodate larger ships, according to China’s Xinhua news agency.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Screengrab/Reuters.