The United States and Cambodia expanded military cooperation on January 28 2026 following the arrival of the US Navy warship USS Cincinnati at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base. The visit marked a notable step in renewed defense engagement between the two countries after years of strained military relations.
US officials said the port call included professional exchanges joint training activities and discussions aimed at improving maritime security and humanitarian cooperation. Cambodian defense authorities stated that the visit focused on confidence building and transparency in regional security matters.
The warship visit was followed by limited joint exercises involving naval and air units concentrating on search and rescue operations maritime safety and communication coordination. Both sides emphasized that the activities were non offensive and designed to promote stability in the region.
The engagement comes amid heightened geopolitical attention on Southeast Asia and increased scrutiny of Ream Naval Base where recent infrastructure upgrades have drawn international interest. Cambodian officials reiterated that the base remains under Cambodian sovereignty and denied claims of exclusive foreign military access.
US representatives said continued engagement with Cambodia supports regional peace and reinforces international norms related to freedom of navigation and cooperative security. Further military exchanges are expected later in the year as dialogue between the two defense establishments continues.
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