What's happened
On April 19, 2025, Japanese minesweepers Bungo and Etajima made a historic port call at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, marking the first foreign military visit since its recent expansion. This visit underscores Japan's efforts to strengthen ties with Cambodia amid concerns over China's influence in the region.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Significance
- The visit by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force is a clear signal of Cambodia's intent to maintain a balanced foreign policy amid rising Chinese influence.
- Japan's choice of minesweepers instead of combat vessels suggests a focus on non-threatening cooperation, aligning with its Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy.
Regional Implications
- The port call is likely to enhance Japan-Cambodia relations, positioning Japan as a reliable partner in the region.
- Analysts suggest that the frequency of foreign naval visits to Ream will be a key indicator of Cambodia's commitment to a non-exclusive military partnership.
Future Outlook
- As Cambodia navigates its relationships with both China and the U.S., the outcome of this diplomatic balancing act will be crucial for regional stability. The ongoing engagement with Japan may serve as a counterbalance to China's growing military presence.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights that the Japanese visit is a strategic signal from Cambodia, emphasizing its sovereignty over the Ream Naval Base amid U.S. concerns about China's military footprint. According to The Independent, this visit is seen as a significant step in Japan-Cambodia relations, with Japanese Defense Minister Gen. Nakatani stating it symbolizes friendship and regional stability. Nikkei Asia notes that the port call is the first since the base's expansion, which was financed by China, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. The Japan Times emphasizes the importance of this visit in the context of U.S. and regional allies' apprehensions regarding China's military ambitions.
How we got here
The Ream Naval Base has been a focal point of concern regarding China's military expansion in Southeast Asia. Following a significant expansion funded by China, the Cambodian government has sought to reassure other nations that the base will remain open to all friendly countries, not just China.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this visit for U.S.-China relations?
- How has Cambodia's foreign policy changed recently?
- What does this mean for Japan's role in Southeast Asia?
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Why Did Japanese Ships Dock at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia?
On April 19, 2025, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ships made a historic visit to Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, marking a significant moment in regional security dynamics. This unprecedented port call raises questions about Japan's strategic interests, the implications for China's influence in Southeast Asia, and the reactions from other nations. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the situation better.
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Why Did Japan Visit Cambodia's Ream Naval Base?
Japan's recent visit to Cambodia's Ream Naval Base marks a significant moment in regional geopolitics. This historic port call by Japanese minesweepers highlights Japan's growing influence in Southeast Asia and its efforts to strengthen ties with Cambodia amid rising concerns over China's military presence. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this visit and its implications for the region.
More on these topics
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Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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Ream Naval Base is a facility operated by the Royal Cambodian Navy on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the province of Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
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Gen Nakatani is a Japanese politician who was Director General of the Japan Defense Agency in the first cabinet of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2001-2002 and was appointed as the Minister of Defense by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 201
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.