Chinese naval vessels have quietly made history by being the first to dock at a new pier in a Cambodian naval base.
The low-key docking coincided with an official visit by China's top defense official, Vice Chairman He Weidong, sparking discussions about the strategic implications.
News of the event came through a Facebook post by Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha. While not explicitly mentioning China, the post showcased Cambodian and Chinese officials, along with Chinese warships, identified as the corvette Wenshan.
Satellite images reveal these warships at Ream Naval Base, potentially Type 56 Chinese corvettes.
The base's strategic location, adjacent to the South China Sea, raises questions about regional power dynamics, especially given China's assertiveness in the area and political implications, with Cambodia supporting China's positions in international matters.
