Australia alarmed over reports China will set up a military base in Cambodia

Australia has expressed alarm over reports of a secret deal that would give the Chinese Government a huge leg-up in our region.

Australia has voiced its concerns over a secret deal allegedly forged between the Governments of China and Cambodia.

The agreement — first reported yesterday by The Wall Street Journal — would give China exclusive rights to part of a Cambodian naval installation on the Gulf of Thailand, north of Australia, for 30 years.

It’s all bound up in Beijing increasingly projecting its military power around the globe. The location of the base would allow the Chinese government to more vigorously enforce its claims in the South China Sea and extend greater political control over the region, including the strategically important Malacca Strait.

Chinese and Cambodian authorities have denied the report, dismissing plans for a 62-acre joint base as “fake news”.

But alarm bells appear to be ringing in Canberra, with the Australian Government warning the developments could threaten peace and stability in the region.

“Australia has a strong interest in regional stability, security and prosperity, and is engaging closely with our partners in support of this goal,” a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said. “We would be concerned at any developments that could upset the strategic balance in the region.”

The Australian Government also confirmed it has been in direct talks with the Cambodian Government about reports of a Chinese military base in the region.

The Morrison government has voiced its concerns over the prospect of a Chinese military base in Cambodia.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen publicly denied the plans last November, after US Vice President Mike Pence wrote a letter expressing his concern.

But US officials claim to have seen an early draft version of the agreement, which would allow China to use the base for 30 years, with automatic renewals every 10 years after that.

According to the draft, seen by unnamed US officials, it would also allow China’s personnel to carry weapons and Cambodian passports, and require Cambodians to get permission from China to enter the area.

The US has urged Cambodia to reject any military arrangement with the Chinese Government.

“We are concerned that any steps by the Cambodian Government to invite a foreign military presence in Cambodia would threaten the coherence and centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in co-ordinating regional developments, and disturb peace and stability in Southeast Asia,” the US State Department said in a statement.

Hun Sen’s independence from Beijing has been called into question in recent years. Over the past two years he has accepted more than $850 million in loans under China’s trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative seeks to connect countries across continents on trade by creating a 6000km sea route connecting China to South East Asia, Oceania and North Africa (the “Road”), as well as through building railway and road infrastructure to connect China with Central and West Asia, the Middle East and Europe (the “Belt”).

Beijing has also committed billions to building roads and bridges across Cambodia, with more infrastructure plans in the works.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has denied the plans are taking place.

It comes amid reports Australia is setting up its own Pacific support force.

According to The Australian, Australia is setting up a new army training force to work with its Pacific neighbours.

Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu are among the regional partners with whom the Brisbane-based Pacific Support Force will work.

It’s also been revealed the Australian Defence Force is “considering options for a dedicated vessel” to support its involvement with Pacific navies.

“It will conduct a range of activities, such as exercises and operations with Pacific security forces and key agencies, to build interoperability with our partners,” the briefing says.