Rumors are swirling about China building a permanent military base in Cambodia, at the Ream naval base on the Gulf of Thailand.
While Cambodia insists it's open to all friendly navies, the presence of Chinese warships and new Chinese-built facilities raise concerns.
This comes amidst China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, where infrastructure projects often meet military standards, fueling suspicions of expansionist goals.
The US and other regional powers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about China's growing military presence and its potential impact on regional stability.