As China continues to assert itself globally, its expansionist policies are becoming increasingly evident. One of its areas of focus is the South China Sea, where it has been claiming territories as part of its modus operandi. To strengthen these claims, China has recently built a new naval base in Cambodia, located near the strategically vital Strait of Malacca, which connects the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea.
The establishment of the Chinese naval base in Cambodia comes after years of negotiations and agreements between China and Cambodia’s Ream naval base. Satellite images of the port near Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand reveal significant developments funded by China. The project includes air defense structures, general command facilities, a naval radar installation, and plans for new storage facilities, a hospital, drydocks, and slipways.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been in power since 1998, has shown an inclination towards closer ties with Beijing, leading to increased Chinese investments and economic incentives in the region.
This development is being closely monitored by India, given China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, which includes building military facilities on disputed islands. India views this as a potential strategic encirclement, as any instability or military conflict in the South China Sea could impact India’s maritime security and trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
The South China Sea is rich in natural resources, such as oil, gas, and fisheries, leading to competition among neighboring countries, including India, for these valuable resources. China’s territorial claims in the region have raised tensions and concerns among its neighbors, leading some Indo-Pacific countries to seek closer security cooperation with India to balance China’s influence.
India’s “Act East” policy aims to strengthen ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and China’s actions in the South China Sea may further motivate these countries to collaborate with India for regional security and stability.
China’s establishment of a naval base in Cambodia and its assertiveness in the South China Sea have implications for India’s strategic interests in the region. Closer security cooperation with Indo-Pacific nations may become crucial for India to address potential challenges posed by China’s expanding influence.
