WASHINGTON – The United States (US) is alarmed by the presence of Chinese forces at a naval base in Cambodia, said the US State Department in a release after a meeting between Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, yesterday.
“Sherman expressed serious concerns about the People’s Republic of China (PRC) military presence and construction of facilities at Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand,” said the release, according to Sputnik.
“She sought clarification on the demolition of two US-funded buildings at Ream without notification or explanation, and observed that a PRC military base in Cambodia will undermine its sovereignty, threaten regional security, and negatively impact US-Cambodia relations.”
Sherman called on Cambodian authorities to maintain an independent and balanced foreign policy, it added.
During her visit, Sherman also met with civil society representatives and Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Kem Sokha. – Bernama, June 2, 2021
