U.S. warship visits Cambodian naval base upgraded with China's help

The USS Cincinnati docked at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base after its Chinese-funded renovation, the first U.S. warship visit since the upgrade; Cambodian officials say the port is open to all friendly nations while concerns about Chinese access persist.

The USS Cincinnati arrived at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on Saturday, marking the first U.S. Navy warship visit since the facility's Chinese-funded renovation was completed early last year. The expansion included a new pier and dry dock, and the work has prompted concern in Washington about possible Chinese access. Cambodian leaders have denied any exclusive privileges for China and say the base is open to friendly nations. The ship's crew is scheduled for a short port call with community and naval exchanges during Jan. 24–28. Known details: - The article reports the Cincinnati is an Independence-class littoral combat ship with about 100 crew and is in port Jan. 24–28 for visits and local activities. - Cambodia completed a new pier and dry dock at Ream with Chinese funding, and the base was reopened in April 2025 under Prime Minister Hun Manet. - Cambodian officials, including deputy commander In Sokhemra, stated the port is open to American, Australian, Japanese and other friendly ships and said the facility "is ready for you." - Washington has expressed concern since 2019 about reports of a proposed 30-year arrangement for Chinese use of Ream; the Cambodian government denies any exclusive military agreement. - The visit coincides with a scheduled meeting between the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha. Summary: The Cincinnati's port call represents a step in renewed naval engagement between the United States and Cambodia after a period of cooler relations. Cambodian officials describe Ream as open to all friendly nations while questions about Chinese access remain reported in international discussions. The ship's visit coincides with planned talks between Adm. Paparo and Defense Minister Tea Seiha, and further official steps were not detailed in the source.