SINGAPORE: Defense Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Tea Banh affirmed to the international community that military modernization and capacity building in the defense sector is an obligation for each nation in accordance with its regional security environment and the world. The Deputy Prime Minister considered such baseless and problematic accusations to be a complete insult to the authority and governance of Cambodia.

Addressing the 19th Asia Security Summit in Singapore on the afternoon of 11 June 2022, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that Cambodia is still the owner of Ream Naval Base and that the development of this base is not a threat to the security of any country or region, whether near or far. He considered these allegations as an excuse to undermine Cambodia's interests.

He added that the capacity building of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces is not just about modernization at Ream Naval Base. Cambodia will continue to increase the capacity of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, not only to ensure the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to successfully fulfill other tasks, such as counter-terrorism and transnational crime, rescue, peacekeeping operations, etc.

The Deputy Prime Minister said, "The most important determinant is the proper protection and just defense of our respective sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, we need modern capabilities to respond to threats, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, disaster relief, and participation in UN peacekeeping operations."

The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that the main goal of Cambodia is to live in peace, friendship, cooperation, brotherhood, and equality with neighboring countries and countries in the region, and that we only want to have the ability to defend ourselves and be able to participate in building regional and global peace. It is also unfair and impossible for us to be forced into a state of stagnant or regress as others try to expand their military power and influence almost everywhere.

For the last few years, some foreign media and the West, especially the United States, accused Cambodia of allowing China to set up military bases in the country. The attack came after Cambodia destroyed a US-aided building at Ream Naval Base.

Regarding the modernization of Ream Naval Base, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed, "Cambodia is an independent, sovereign state and has full rights to manage its national destiny as stated in Article 53 of the Constitution. The Kingdom of Cambodia does not allow foreign military bases on its territory and also does not allow to have its military bases abroad, except within the framework of the United Nations’ request. The Kingdom of Cambodia reserves the right to receive foreign aid in the form of military equipment, ammunition, training of the armed forces, and other assistance to defend itself and ensure public order and security within the country."