On Monday, December 16th, a US Navy warship arrived in Cambodia, marking the first visit by the US military in eight years. The Cambodian government stated that this port visit signifies an improvement in the relationship between the two countries and aims to promote cooperation.
According to reports by the Associated Press, the littoral combat ship USS Savannah docked at the port of Sihanoukville in the Gulf of Thailand for a planned five-day visit. The American vessel is manned by 103 crew members.
The ship’s commander, Daniel Sledz, expressed his excitement, stating, “I am delighted to be back and restore America’s presence here after eight years.” He received a bouquet of flowers from a Cambodian military officer and shook hands with Cambodian officials.
Over the years, relations between the US and Cambodia have been uneasy, primarily due to US criticism of the Cambodian government’s political oppression and human rights issues. The US has particularly expressed concern over Cambodia’s close ties with the Chinese authorities, fearing that China could gain exclusive access rights to a Cambodian naval base near the port of Sihanoukville, not far from where the USS Savannah is docked.
Recently, Cambodia has taken steps to mend its relationship with the US.
The Cambodian Ministry of Defense stated last week that the visit was arranged in response to a US request for a port call, with the aim of “strengthening and expanding the bonds of friendship and promoting bilateral cooperation”.