Defense Minister Says China Helping with Ream Overhaul, But ‘No Strings Attached’ 03 June 2021 VOA Khmer FILE - A Cambodian navy sailor salutes on a Chinese naval patrol boat during a handover ceremony at a Cambodian naval base at Ream in Sihanoukville province, southwest of Phnom Penh, on November 7, 2007. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea Share share PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA — Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh has confirmed that China was assisting to build infrastructure at the controversial Ream Naval Base, days after a visiting U.S. diplomat raised the issue at a meeting with Hun Sen. The defense minister was interviewed by government-aligned Fresh News on Wednesday, where he said China was helping build infrastructure at the base in Preah Sihanouk province. He added that Cambodia needed assistance to expand and modernize the base to host large, deep-water vessels.