US presses Cambodia over possible Chinese military presence | World News, The Indian Express

US presses Cambodia over possible Chinese military presence | World News, The Indian Express

By Reuters |Phnom Penh |Published: July 1, 2019 10:26:12 pm

US presses Cambodia over possible Chinese military presence

A letter to the Cambodian defence minister, seen by Reuters, reflects concern in Washington about the Chinese military presence in Southeast Asia, where China is increasingly assertive over its contested claims in the South China Sea.

The US Department of Defense and Army Attache in Phnom Penh, Michael Stelzig, confirmed that the letter to General Tea Banh had been delivered on June 24. The US Embassy had no further comment. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)

The US Defense Department has asked Cambodia to explain why it suddenly turned down an offer to repair a naval base, saying the decision had raised speculation of possible plans for hosting China’s military.