Three Russian warships and a Vietnamese gunboat have arrived in Cambodia, marking a notable moment of maritime engagement in Southeast Asia. The vessels, docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port and the recently modernized Ream Naval Base, underscore Cambodia’s growing role as a hub for international naval cooperation. The visits, occurring between late April and early May 2025, involve joint activities and patrols, reflecting a broader trend of regional powers strengthening ties with Phnom Penh.
Russian Flotilla at Sihanoukville
On April 28, 2025, a flotilla of three Russian Federation Navy vessels arrived at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in Preah Sihanouk province at 9 a.m. Led by Rear Admiral Aleksei Antsiferov, chief of staff of the Surface Ship Division of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, the group includes the Steregushchiy-class corvettes Rezkiy and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov. With a total crew of 262, the ships are scheduled to remain at the port until May 1. During their four-day stay, the Russian sailors are set to engage in friendly sporting events, including volleyball and football, with Cambodian naval personnel at the nearby Ream Naval Base, according to the Secretariat of the National Committee for Maritime Security (NCMS).
The presence of Russian naval forces in Cambodian waters signals a continuation of military-to-military exchanges between the two nations, which have historically maintained cordial relations. While the activities are described as cooperative and non-threatening, the docking of advanced warships like the Steregushchiy-class corvettes—known for their versatility in anti-submarine and surface warfare—draws attention to Russia’s interest in maintaining a presence in Southeast Asia, a region often seen as a geopolitical chessboard. 
Vietnamese Gunboat at Ream Naval Base
Simultaneously, a Vietnamese People’s Navy warship, identified as the Russian-built gunboat 261, docked at Ream Naval Base on April 27. Carrying a crew of 37, the vessel’s visit coincides with the 35th joint patrol experience-sharing meeting with the Cambodian Navy, held on April 28. The Vietnamese delegation will remain at the base until April 29, marking a brief but symbolically significant engagement.
Ream Naval Base, recently upgraded with support from China, has emerged as a focal point for Cambodia’s maritime strategy. The base’s new pier and the Cambodia-China Joint Logistics and Training Center, officially inaugurated on April 5, 2025, have enabled it to host foreign vessels more frequently. The Vietnamese gunboat is only the second foreign ship to dock at Ream since the modernization, following a recent visit by two Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force ships that departed last week.
Cambodia’s Open-Door Maritime Policy
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has publicly emphasized that the country welcomes naval visits from all nations interested in cooperative activities. This stance aligns with Cambodia’s broader foreign policy of neutrality and non-alignment, aiming to balance relations with major powers like China, Russia, and the United States, as well as regional neighbors like Vietnam and Japan. By hosting vessels from diverse nations at Sihanoukville and Ream, Phnom Penh appears to be positioning itself as a neutral ground for maritime diplomacy in a region often fraught with territorial disputes and strategic rivalries, particularly in the South China Sea.
The Ream Naval Base, located near Sihanoukville, has been a subject of international scrutiny due to its modernization with Chinese assistance. Some Western analysts have speculated that the upgrades could eventually facilitate a permanent Chinese naval presence, a claim that Cambodian officials have repeatedly denied. The recent visits by Russian, Vietnamese, and Japanese ships may serve to counterbalance such perceptions, demonstrating the base’s role as a venue for multilateral engagement rather than exclusive alignment with any single power.
Regional Implications of Naval Engagements
The simultaneous docking of Russian and Vietnamese vessels in Cambodia occurs against a backdrop of heightened maritime activity in Southeast Asia. The South China Sea remains a flashpoint, with overlapping territorial claims involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other nations. While Cambodia is not a direct claimant, its strategic location and growing naval infrastructure make it a valuable partner for countries seeking to project influence or foster stability in the region.
Russia’s involvement, though limited in scale, reflects its broader strategy to maintain relevance in Asia-Pacific geopolitics. The Pacific Fleet’s participation in joint exercises and port calls, such as this one in Sihanoukville, serves as a reminder of Moscow’s military reach beyond its immediate sphere of influence. For Vietnam, the visit to Ream Naval Base reinforces longstanding defense ties with Cambodia, rooted in historical alliances and shared concerns about regional security. The joint patrol meeting, a recurring event now in its 35th iteration, highlights a commitment to practical cooperation on issues like maritime safety and border monitoring.
However, the presence of foreign naval forces in Cambodian waters is not without complexity. While the activities are framed as friendly and cooperative, they occur in a region where military posturing can quickly escalate tensions. If unverified reports of increased naval drills or undisclosed agreements surface, they could fuel speculation about Cambodia’s role in broader strategic alignments. As of now, no such evidence has been confirmed, and the engagements appear to be routine confidence-building measures.
Local and International Perspectives
Locally, the naval visits are likely to be seen as a boost to Cambodia’s international profile. Sihanoukville, a coastal city undergoing rapid development, has become a key economic and strategic hub, with its autonomous port serving as a gateway for trade and military exchanges. Residents and businesses in the area may benefit from the influx of foreign personnel, even if only temporarily, through increased visibility and small-scale economic activity.
From an international standpoint, the visits are a microcosm of the delicate balancing act that defines Southeast Asian geopolitics. Cambodia’s willingness to host ships from Russia, Vietnam, Japan, and others, while maintaining close ties with China, suggests a pragmatic approach to foreign relations. Yet, this openness also places Phnom Penh under scrutiny, as regional and global powers monitor how these engagements evolve. For instance, the United States, which has expressed concerns over China’s influence at Ream Naval Base, may view the diversified naval visits as either a reassuring sign of multilateralism or a complicating factor in its own strategic calculations.
Broader Context of Naval Modernization
The modernization of Ream Naval Base, supported by China, is a critical piece of the puzzle. The new facilities, including the pier and training center, have expanded Cambodia’s capacity to host larger and more frequent naval visits. This development aligns with the country’s aspirations to strengthen its maritime security capabilities, particularly in light of regional challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling. However, the Chinese role in the project has raised questions about long-term implications, with some analysts suggesting that Cambodia’s neutrality could be tested if geopolitical tensions intensify.
For now, the base’s hosting of vessels from multiple nations appears to support Prime Minister Hun Manet’s assertion of an inclusive policy. The Cambodian government has emphasized that the modernization is intended to enhance national defense and regional cooperation, not to serve the interests of any single foreign power. Whether this balance can be sustained amid competing pressures remains an open question.
Looking Ahead
As the Russian and Vietnamese naval visits conclude in the coming days, attention will likely shift to how Cambodia leverages these engagements to further its diplomatic and security objectives. The country’s ability to navigate complex regional dynamics while maintaining its stated neutrality will be crucial. For now, the docking of foreign warships at Sihanoukville and Ream Naval Base serves as a vivid illustration of Southeast Asia’s intricate web of alliances and interests, where even routine port calls carry layers of strategic significance.
