CCTV

 

Two Chinese warships arrived in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville port on Friday for what Beijing described as a “friendship and training” visit, as regional tensions linger following a recent border clash between Cambodia and Thailand.

 

The amphibious warfare ship Yimeng Shan and training vessel Qijiguang docked at the civilian port on the Gulf of Thailand, avoiding the nearby Ream Naval Base—a site of ongoing speculation over Chinese military access. Cambodian officials insisted the visit was routine and not intended to signal support in the unresolved border dispute.

 

In July, Cambodia and Thailand engaged in five days of armed conflict over contested territory. China’s supply of weapons to Cambodia has since raised concerns in Bangkok, though Beijing maintains it has taken a neutral stance and worked to mediate peace. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China had facilitated informal consultations and shuttle diplomacy between the two nations, helping to broker a ceasefire with support from Malaysia and ASEAN.

 

The Chinese vessels are scheduled to remain in Sihanoukville until Tuesday before continuing to Thailand and Singapore. Their arrival coincided with a visit by Australia’s frigate HMAS Ballarat, which docked just 500 metres away as part of a regional deployment aimed at strengthening Indo-Pacific security ties.

 

China’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wenbin, reiterated Beijing’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s sovereignty and development, posting on social media that China remains a “reliable partner.” The ships were greeted by a crowd waving Chinese flags and performing a traditional dragon dance, underscoring the strong cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

 

Sihanoukville, a hub for Chinese investment, has also drawn scrutiny for hosting criminal networks, including online scam centres often staffed by trafficked foreign workers. While the naval visit was framed as diplomatic and cooperative, its timing and symbolism have stirred unease in a region still recovering from recent hostilities.

 

As China continues to expand its naval presence across Southeast Asia, its balancing act between strategic partnerships and regional stability remains under close watch.

 

 

-2025-10-13

Thailand never has foreign warships docking here.

Cobra Gold?

On 10/13/2025 at 9:53 AM, geovalin said:

China’s supply of weapons to Cambodia has since raised concerns in Bangkok,

 

No doubt there were raised eyebrows in Phnom Penh when Sweden delivered SAAB JS 39 Gripen fighter planes to Thailand!!

4 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 

No doubt there were raised eyebrows in Phnom Penh when Sweden delivered SAAB JS 39 Gripen fighter planes to Thailand!!

Prior to the Gripens Thailand had (and continues to have) F16s and F5s. Why would Gripens raise eyebrows? 🤔🤷

I remember years ago when the Chinese built this port concerns were raised about the Chinese using them for their navy. The Chinese denied this of course back then------and now here we are. Of course it's just a friendly visit, yeah, just like the friendly non-military visits to the Spratly islands and all the other islands they occupy in the South China sea that they've militarized over time.