Zweckpartnerschaft: Ream Naval Base und die Konvergenz zwischen Kambodscha und China

SS: In this article, Rahman Yaacob argues that while China’s support in modernizing Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base raises concerns about Beijing’s military expansion, the base is unlikely to become a fully Chinese-operated facility like Djibouti. Instead, China may secure preferential access or use it for intelligence gathering, aligning with its broader strategy to enhance regional influence. Yaacob highlights Cambodia’s defense ties with China as a pragmatic effort to counter perceived threats from Thailand and Vietnam while modernizing its military. He highlights that Western partners, particularly the U.S. and Australia, must engage Cambodia through nuanced approaches that address its security concerns and historical context rather than fixating solely on countering China. The article is based on fieldwork and interviews conducted in Cambodia and neighboring countries, offering a comprehensive analysis of regional dynamics, Cambodia’s defense motivations, and policy recommendations for balancing China’s influence.