A Chinese naval base in Cambodia would not threaten the U.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 6, 2022
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, The Washington Post reported that China is secretly building a naval base in Cambodia. Defense Priorities Director of Asia Engagement Lyle Goldstein issued the following statement in response:

“A Chinese naval base in Cambodia does not constitute a threat to the United States. It might cause a challenge to U.S. forces if they were to attempt a blockade of the Malacca Strait in order to strangle Chinese energy supplies in the event of a Taiwan scenario—a situation U.S. strategy should seek to avoid. Restraint and diplomacy can best help the U.S. address regional problems related to maritime resources, climate change, extremism, and navigation. Overreacting to expected developments related to China’s rise would not make Americans safer or more prosperous and is most likely to escalate regional tensions.”

Author

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program