The American warship USS Savannah arrived in Cambodia on a Monday. It was the first goodwill visit in eight years, symbolizing a positive shift in relations between Cambodia and America.
When the USS Savannah cruiser, a powerful vessel, brought a total of 103 crew members to dock at Sihanoukville international port, the ship and its American crew were warmly welcomed by Cambodian hosts with flower garlands and a wreath of flowers.
Commander Daniel A. Sledz, chief of the USS Savannah, spoke at the ceremony, briefly stating that it was a great opportunity for the American ship to demonstrate its capabilities here for the first time after being sidelined for eight years. The US embassy, however, also launched a welcome message for the arrival of this warship to Cambodia.
The embassy has announced that the USS Savannah is a powerful regional defense frigate. It docked at the Sihanoukville port on the 16th of December, marking the first visit of an American warship to Cambodia in the last eight years.
Sources continued to say that during this naval visit, the crew of the ship will have several activities with the Cambodian Royal Navy, which is a partner of the USS Savannah, to enhance mutual understanding and response to shared maritime security issues between the United States and Cambodia.
On the other hand, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense issued a statement saying that the entry of the US Navy vessels aims to strengthen and enhance the friendship, as well as promote the bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and the United States.
Starting from the United States opening an embassy in Cambodia in 1994 to now, the diplomatic relationship between Cambodia and the United States has been complicated. Although generally, the situation is not too bad. The United States continues to emphasize on democracy and human rights in Cambodia and around the end of this recent decade, this is a new political history.
The purpose of America’s focus on Cambodia’s maritime policy issues is based on the importance of Cambodia’s naval base. In particular, it is about opening Cambodia’s door for assistance to develop its naval base on the coast.
The increasing concerns over China’s activities in the sea first arose in 2019 when the Wall Street Journal reported that the initial plans of an agreement seen by American officials would allow China to use the naval base for 30 years. This is a place where China could place its personnel, store its weapons, and fuel tanks.
After receiving this report, the Cambodian government immediately rejected such agreements. However, skepticism began to increase subsequently, and the Cambodian government also provided explanations in return. It reiterated that what Cambodia has done is to strengthen Cambodia’s naval forces and Cambodia does not allow foreign countries to use Cambodia as a military base. In addition to this, the Government, the Ministry of National Defense, as well as the Cambodian Navy have explained and clarified this suspicion. Cambodia clearly stated that it does not allow the existence of foreign military bases in the country and has declared to open the docking port, inviting all countries to come there, including joint exercises with the Cambodian Navy.
Regardless of the explanations, this situation continues and tensions continue to escalate, while the United States also continues to monitor the situation at the naval base. The United States, in particular, its foreign policy experts continue to point out that the development of Cambodia’s naval base, with Chinese assistance, near the city of Sihanoukville, will serve as a strategic advantage for Beijing in the region. They argue that China can use the base as a launch pad to easily access the Malacca Strait, a critical shipping route between the southern Chinese sea and the Indian Ocean.
During the eight-year absence of the American LPG tanker, other countries’ tankers such as Australia, Japan, and England have continually asked for a spot. However, the American locals are still skeptical. Therefore, it is hoped that the arrival of the USS Savannah will reduce this skepticism from Cambodia.
Before this ship arrived, the United States Secretary of Defense, Mr. Lloyd Austin, had made a conspicuous visit to Cambodia in early June. During that time, he had a meeting and discussion with His Excellency Hun Manet, the Deputy Prime Minister and General Tea Banh, the Minister of National Defense, and
His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is the Head of State.
The U.S. Department of Defense spoke at the time, saying “Mr. Austin and Cambodia had discussed opportunities to strengthen national defense relations between the United States and Cambodia in support of peace and security in the region,” and tackle other issues. Until mid-December, which is only about 15 days left, to end 2024, it was suddenly revealed that the USS Savannah was present in Cambodia.
In summary, the presence of the USS Savannah can be considered a major event in the relationship between Cambodia and America. It would wrap up in 2024 and it is hoped that it will spark positive developments in the relationship and bilateral cooperation, especially in the national defense sector. It is hoped to be revived again in 2025 and beyond.
