The USS Cincinnati arrived on Saturday at Ream Naval Base as part of a mission to strengthen cooperation between Cambodian-US forces and departed from the Preah Sihanouk location on Wednesday, local media reported. The upgrades have fuelled concerns that Ream is becoming a permanent outpost for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army , similar to its base in Djibouti. Chinese naval vessels, specifically corvettes, have maintained a near-constant, rotating presence at the base since December 2023. Ream Naval Base Deputy Commander In Sokhemra (centre) welcomes USS Cincinnati captain Andrew Recame on Saturday. Photo: APWhile acknowledging Chinese funding for upgrades, Phnom Penh has stated that the base is open to vessels from all nations.