As China calls, is writing on wall for US-Cambodia military ties?

Coronavirus aid and trade deals dangled by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to Cambodia this week tell only part of the story

The demolition of US facilities at a naval base is seen as paving the way for a Chinese military presence, a move some say will upset the balance of power in Southeast Asia

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh. Photo: AP

Published: 12:30pm, 17 Oct 2020Updated: 12:30pm, 17 Oct 2020

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his two-day visit to Cambodia this week dangling goodies ranging from a free-trade agreement to further assistance in the fight against Covid-19.

But while all eyes are on the demolition of a US-funded facility at one of Cambodia’s naval bases – reportedly to make way for Chinese military assets and personnel – little appears to have been mentioned on this front, at least openly, between Wang and the Cambodian leaders.

The latest developments surrounding the naval base have once again raised concerns in the United States that Cambodia may have fallen further into China’s ambit, prompting questions both about the balance of power in Southeast Asia and over what some perceive as Cambodia’s over-reliance on Beijing.

Cambodian servicemen at Ream Naval Base. Photo: EPA

During the visit beginning on Sunday, Wang met Prime Minister Hun Sen, Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn.

Chief among the three documents signed by the two countries during Wang’s visit is the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), aimed at slashing tariffs and boosting market access in sectors such as trade, tourism and agriculture.

Both sides began their first round of free-trade negotiations in January last year and reached a final agreement in July this year, a first for the Southeast Asian country. The agreement is expected to come into effect early next year.