Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 3 – Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh told Fresh News CEO on Thursday morning that the Royal Government of Cambodia has authorized the the visit of US millitary attaché to Ream Port.

The approval was made based on request of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman during a two-hour meeting the same day with Prime Minister Hun Sen amidst her one-day visit to Phnom Penh.

Sherman asked if Cambodia could allow a military attaché from the US Embassy to visit Ream Port.

In response, Premier Hun Sen said he agreed and suggested journalists to also visit the site.

Defense Minister Banh said on 2 June that China has assisted Cambodia to develop Ream Port. The aid is no strings attached. The port solely belongs to Cambodia and that China will not have exclusive control over the port.

Several US media outlets have accused Cambodia for allowing China to set up military bases on her territory. Cambodia has repeatedly denied the allegations as the Cambodian government firmly adheres to the principles of independence and neutrality enshrined in the Constitution, which strictly forbids the presence of any foreign military base in the Kingdom.

Banh said the broadcasts that accused Cambodia handed over Ream Port to China exclusively was a childish talk.

“Our constitution make it clear that Cambodia shall not permit any foreign military base on its territory and shall not have its own military base abroad, except within the framework of a United Nations request. We have repeatedly told them, yet they do not use their ears to listen.”
=FRESH NEWS