SIHANOUKVILLE:A US warship docked in Cambodia on Monday, just kilometres away from a Chinese-renovated naval base, in the first American military port call to one of Beijings closest regional allies in eight years.
Washingtons relationship with Phnom Penh has been deteriorating for years, with China pouring billions of dollars into infrastructure investment under Cambodias former leader Hun Sen.
AFP reporters saw Cambodian navy personnel welcoming the USS Savannahs arrival to the southern port city of Sihanoukville on Monday.
Cambodias defence ministry said on Friday that the five-day visit aims to strengthen and expand friendship and promote bilateral cooperation.
Since 2022, China has been funding the renovation of the Ream naval base, some 30km from Sihanoukville, which was originally built partly using US funds.
Washington has said the Ream base could give Beijing a key strategic position in the Gulf of Thailand near the disputed South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety.
Cambodian leaders have repeatedly denied that the base is for use by any foreign power.
Chinese warships first docked at the 363m pier in December last year. Two berthed at Sihanoukville port in May as part of Beijings biggest joint military drills with Cambodia.
The Chinese military unveiled machine gun-equipped robodogs this year at the annual joint exercises, known as the Golden Dragon drills.
In early 2017, Cambodia scrapped similar joint exercises with US forces that had been held for the previous seven years.
Cambodias defence ministry said 27 US navy vessels have visited the nation since 2007, although the USS Savannahs visit with 103 crew members was the first docking in eight years.
The ships senior officers will meet with the Ream bases commander.
US defence secretary Lloyd Austin visited Cambodia in June to reset ties with the staunch China ally.
Cambodias foreign minister Prak Sokhonn and the US embassys Bridgette Walker last week hailed the reinvigoration of military ties between the two countries.
The US Navy has declined to comment on the visit.