A British Royal Navy patrol vessel has arrived in Cambodia for an eight‑day visit, underscoring London’s growing interest in Southeast Asia’s maritime security at a time of heightened tension between Washington and Beijing.

HMS Tamar (P233), led by Commander Tom Lindsey, docked at Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk province on 20 August. The ship and its 61‑strong crew will remain until 27 August, conducting joint training, first‑aid drills and friendly sporting events with Cambodian counterparts. Courtesy calls are also planned with provincial leaders and defence officials.

The visit is presented as a gesture of friendship and cooperation. Yet Ream Naval Base has long been at the centre of a geopolitical feud. The United States has repeatedly voiced concern that Chinese‑funded renovations there could give Beijing a permanent military foothold on the Gulf of Thailand, close to the disputed South China Sea. Cambodia insists the base is open to all partners and not reserved for any single power.

By sending HMS Tamar, Britain joins a growing list of navies making port calls at Ream, signalling support for Cambodia’s stated policy of openness. Analysts say such visits also serve to balance China’s influence, while offering reassurance to Western allies worried about Beijing’s expanding reach.

Ream remains a sensitive site. For Washington, it symbolises fears of China projecting power deeper into Southeast Asia. For Phnom Penh, hosting vessels from multiple countries is a way to demonstrate neutrality and broaden partnerships.

HMS Tamar, a 90‑metre patrol vessel with a displacement of 2,000 tonnes, is part of Britain’s Indo‑Pacific deployment aimed at strengthening regional ties. Its presence in Cambodia highlights London’s intent to be seen as a player in the region’s security architecture, even as the US and China vie for influence.

As the crew exchanges skills and goodwill with Cambodian sailors, the symbolism of the visit is clear: Ream Naval Base is no longer just a domestic facility, but a stage where global powers test their relationships with Phnom Penh — and with each other.

-2026-08-23

Soft diplomacy. Effective too.

On 8/23/2026 at 10:24 AM, geovalin said:

a growing list of navies making port calls at Ream, signalling support for Cambodia’s stated policy of openness.

For reference Google -

1. United Kingdom: The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Tamar (P233) arrived in August 2026 for an eight-day visit, conducting joint training with Cambodian personnel on damage control and medical response.

2. United States: The U.S. Navy littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) docked at the base in January 2026 for a five-day goodwill and training visit—marking the first-ever port call by an American warship to the newly modernized facility.

3. Japan: In April 2025, two Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ships (Bungo and Etajima) made a historic port call, representing the first foreign naval presence at the newly upgraded base.

4. China: The People's Liberation Army Navy has stationed and rotated vessels at the base for joint logistical support, training, and bilateral military drills.

5. Vietnam and Russia: Naval vessels from both nations have also completed documented port calls to the facility following its formal inauguration.

i dont know britain had a navy

11 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

i dont know britain had a navy

Of course it has a navy. It has nuclear powered submarines with nuclear missiles. It has an Air Force as well. Bit of a dumb comment really. Also it should be I didn't know and Britain.

5 minutes ago, Geoff914 said:

Of course it has a navy. It has nuclear powered submarines with nuclear missiles. It has an Air Force as well. Bit of a dumb comment really. Also it should be I didn't know and Britain.

thanks. their boats work, do they?

not that it matters, they will just cry to us for help when the shtf

7 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

thanks. their boats work, do they?

not that it matters, they will just cry to us for help when the shtf

What a fine example of the education system in the USA.

1 minute ago, Geoff914 said:

What a fine example of the education system in the USA.

sure, would you like to discuss the writings of the venerable bede then?

49 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

sure, would you like to discuss the writings of the venerable bede then?

If you like or is your shift key or caps lock not working?

9 minutes ago, Geoff914 said:

If you like or is your shift key or caps lock not working?

oh i guess my physical disability bothers you?

44 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

oh i guess my physical disability bothers you?

OK If you only have one hand I am sorry.

28 minutes ago, Geoff914 said:

OK If you only have one hand I am sorry.

temporarily correct. thank god i still have my right arm to keep my lovelife going

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

oh i guess my physical disability bothers you?

Since we are on an anonymous forum, nobody can know about your physical disability, so that was just some quality troll bait.

But even blind Freddy can notice about your mental disability.

4 hours ago, Yagoda said:

thanks. their boats work, do they?

not that it matters, they will just cry to us for help when the shtf

What's your point? The USN has had the embarrassment of plumbing problems onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. And the US military is now reporting some of the highest levels of equipment failures in recent years. The most recent crisis is with the Apache helicopter fleet. 5 major crashes resulting in loss of life and catastrophic fires in just the past 10 months resulting in a temporary suspension of non critical missions and training. When equipment is used it wears out and eventually breaks down.

8 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

What's your point? The USN has had the embarrassment of plumbing problems onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. And the US military is now reporting some of the highest levels of equipment failures in recent years. The most recent crisis is with the Apache helicopter fleet. 5 major crashes resulting in loss of life and catastrophic fires in just the past 10 months resulting in a temporary suspension of non critical missions and training. When equipment is used it wears out and eventually breaks down.

You'll just make him come back with more nonsense by pointing out facts. Just tell him the US military is the baddest in the world, everyone else is inferior and scared of them, everything the US does is perfect, everything runs smoothly and seamlessly and we only wish we could be more like them. Iran is cowering, they win all their wars, they are incredible.

Then he'll go away and not bother us again. The sad fact is he'll feel proud and think you meant it.

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

When equipment is used it wears out and eventually breaks down.

whats britains excuse

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

Just tell him the US military is the baddest in the world, everyone else is inferior and scared of them, everything the US does is perfect, everything runs smoothly and seamlessly and we only wish we could be more like them. Iran is cowering, they win all their wars, they are incredible

thanks, you finally broke through to reality

6 hours ago, Geoff914 said:

What a fine example of the education system in the USA.

Nothing to do with U.S. education system.

All to do with British leadership.

Is passing the buck a British tradition?

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

What's your point? The USN has had the embarrassment of plumbing problems onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. And the US military is now reporting some of the highest levels of equipment failures in recent years. The most recent crisis is with the Apache helicopter fleet. 5 major crashes resulting in loss of life and catastrophic fires in just the past 10 months resulting in a temporary suspension of non critical missions and training. When equipment is used it wears out and eventually breaks down.

Fake news

Along with low morale, food shortages etc.

Pure anti Trump propaganda by the left.

Edited August 24Aug 24 by HolmesEquivelant

7 minutes ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

Fake news

Along with low morale, food shortages etc.

Pure anti Trump propaganda by the left.

Ooooh, another recent joiner who sounds just like Harrisfan.

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

You'll just make him come back with more nonsense by pointing out facts. Just tell him the US military is the baddest in the world, everyone else is inferior and scared of them, everything the US does is perfect, everything runs smoothly and seamlessly and we only wish we could be more like them. Iran is cowering, they win all their wars, they are incredible.

Then he'll go away and not bother us again. The sad fact is he'll feel proud and think you meant it.

“the US military is the baddest in the world, everyone else is inferior and scared of them, everything the US does is perfect, everything runs smoothly and seamlessly and we only wish we could be more like them. Iran is cowering, they win all their wars, they are incredible”

Your best post ever! Good job Ol boy, good job!

America has 11 operational carriers. No one else can match that awesome firepower, expertise and dominance. Not even Britain.

Stay envious my friend.

Edited August 24Aug 24 by HolmesEquivelant

12 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Ooooh, another recent joiner who sounds just like Harrisfan.

Deflection from my post. They always do when they have no legitimate reply.

27 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Ooooh, another recent joiner who sounds just like Harrisfan.

I’ve never heard of him.

Why does he live in your head 24/7 like Trump?

Anyway USA 11 carriers. Britain 2. Why have more when we always protect you?

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

Ooooh, another recent joiner who sounds just like Harrisfan.

as opposed to one that sounds like you?

2 hours ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

“the US military is the baddest in the world, everyone else is inferior and scared of them, everything the US does is perfect, everything runs smoothly and seamlessly and we only wish we could be more like them. Iran is cowering, they win all their wars, they are incredible”

Your best post ever! Good job Ol boy, good job!

America has 11 operational carriers. No one else can match that awesome firepower, expertise and dominance. Not even Britain.

Stay envious my friend.

Even more impressive at NIGHT!

USA NUMBER ONE! No one comes close!

Edited August 24Aug 24 by HolmesEquivelant

15 hours ago, Yagoda said:

i dont know britain had a navy

Rule Britannia, we gave you a spanking so you copied ours (as in most things you do)

Even the forum Brits know their carrier pilots are no match for the superior American carrier pilots.

As for Australia, they have 0 carriers and carrier pilots unless @Lacessit was one and hasn’t told us yet.

Regardless, we have their six. Just like WW2.

3 minutes ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

Even the forum Brits know their carrier pilots are no match for the superior American carrier pilots.

As for Australia, they have 0 carriers and carrier pilots unless @Lacessit was one and hasn’t told us yet.

Regardless, we have their six. Just like WW2.

Thankfully all rescued.

8 hours ago, sungod said:

Rule Britannia, we gave you a spanking so you copied ours (as in most things you do)

you mean improved on. john paul jones, baby

8 hours ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

Even the forum Brits know their carrier pilots are no match for the superior American carrier pilots.

As for Australia, they have 0 carriers and carrier pilots unless @Lacessit was one and hasn’t told us yet.

Regardless, we have their six. Just like WW2.

exactly, they arent worth much else, but they brits do have the premier league which is worth protecting.

and australia has mines and lamb

Edited August 25Aug 25 by Yagoda

59 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

the premier league

Sadly now also taking second place, behind La Liga.

Much like the navy, a spirit of glory past...