Cambodian PM says naval base not just for China

Cambodian navy troop members stand on a navy boat at Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, southwestern of Phnom Penh, Cambodia on July 26, 2019. Cambodia's government on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, officially denied suggestions that its demolition of a U.S.-funded facility at one of its naval bases is a signal that China will be granted basing privileges there, saying the work only involves planned infrastructure improvements. - AP

PHNOM PENH, Oct 11 (AFP): China would not have exclusive access to a Cambodian naval base, Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced, despite Beijing chipping in for upgrades after a US-funded facility was razed at the site last month.

The Ream base is strategically located in the Gulf of Thailand, providing ready access to the fiercely contested South China Sea -- a key global shipping route.