The Gulf of Thailand, adjacent to the South China Sea, is a region that China claims almost entirely
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By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
In a move that has drawn global attention, two Chinese warships, the Jingangshan amphibious warfare ship and the Qijiguang training ship, recently docked at a commercial port in Cambodia, north of the Ream Naval Base. Due to a China-backed expansion project, this location has been the subject of much speculation. Observers, including the United States, have expressed concerns that this could serve as a new strategic point for the Chinese navy.
This event, marked by the onlookers waving Cambodian and Chinese flags at the Sihanoukville Port, symbolizes China’s promise of ‘friendship’ to Cambodia. However, it also raises questions about China’s strategic intentions in the region, given the port’s proximity to the Ream Naval Base, where China has funded a significant expansion project. The Gulf of Thailand, adjacent to the South China Sea, is a region that China claims almost entirely. This would provide China with convenient access to the Malacca Strait, a globally significant shipping lane.
The Jingangshan and the Qijiguang are scheduled to participate in naval exercises from the Ream base from May 24-27. These exercises are part of the ongoing Golden Dragon exercises, a regular event between the two countries. The Jingangshan is a Type 071 amphibious transport dock ship, boasting a displacement of 25,000 tons and a length of 210 meters. It is powered by four SEMT Pielstick 16 PC2.6 V400 diesel engines, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of 25 knots. The ship can carry 15-20 armored vehicles, 500-800 troops, and 4 air-cushioned landing craft. Its armament includes an AK-176 76 mm gun and four AK-630 30 mm close-in weapon systems.
On the other hand, the Qijiguang war ship is a Type 680 training ship, another impressive vessel. It has a displacement of 9,000 tons, a length of 163 meters, and is powered by two SEMT-Pielstick diesels. The ship can reach a maximum speed of 22 knots. It carries a crew of 450, along with 50 instructors and 400 cadets. The Qijiguang is armed with a 76 mm single H/PJ-26 and two 30 mm H/PJ-17 guns.
The docking of these two warships in Cambodia is not just a display of China’s naval prowess, but also a strategic move that has implications for regional security. The United States and other countries have been closely watching this development, concerned that the Ream Naval Base could become a new outpost for the Chinese navy on the Gulf of Thailand.