Chinese Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang

The Type 056 corvette China  provided to Cambodia, which has reportedly arrived at the Ream Naval Base, is part of an existing cooperation program between militaries of the two countries, a spokesperson for Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday in response to a related question. A Chinese expert told the Global Times that the Type 056 corvette, a light multi-purpose vessel, is expected to enhance Cambodia's maritime security and rescue capabilities, marking further advancement in China-Cambodia defense cooperation.

At a regular press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang responded to a question regarding the recent arrival of the first Type 056 corvette China provided to Cambodia at the Ream Naval Base, with reports suggesting that amid regional tensions, countries such as Thailand are closely watching maritime security developments. The Chinese spokesperson said that this is part of an existing cooperation program between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries, which is not directed at any third party, and has no bearing on the current regional situation.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that the Type 056 is a light multipurpose combat vessel with a displacement of approximately 1,500 tons and a powerful propulsion system. It is primarily designed for daily patrols and surveillance missions, making it well-suited for coastal operations.

Despite its modest displacement, the Type 056 is equipped with a range of missile systems, known for their rapid response and high guidance accuracy. The vessel also features a close-in air defense system, anti-ship weaponry, and a naval gun, giving it strong comprehensive combat capabilities. Its anti-ship missiles have long ranges, while its air defense missiles can effectively intercept low-flying targets such as incoming anti-ship missiles. The corvette also possesses certain anti-submarine warfare capabilities, Zhang said.

Dozens of Type 056 corvettes are in service with the Chinese armed forces, official Chinese media reports show. 

Ream is also home to a Cambodia-China Joint Support and Training Center. The center at Port Ream in southwestern Cambodia was put into operation in April, 2025, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

At a ceremony at the time, the Chinese and Cambodian sides emphasized that the construction and operation of the center were the result of mutual respect and equal consultation between the two countries, which is conducive to further strengthening the practical cooperation between the two militaries, better fulfilling international obligations and providing international public security products, Xinhua reported.

Both sides expressed willingness to continue to work together to comprehensively deepen cooperation in joint exercises and training, talent training, equipment technology and other fields, continuously consolidate and develop the relationship between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries, and jointly maintain regional security and stability, reported Xinhua.

In conjunction with the inauguration ceremony, the Chinese and Cambodian militaries organized the launch event for the "Golden Dragon-2025" joint exercise at the center. This marked an important demonstration of the center's role in promoting China-Cambodia friendship and deepening military cooperation, the military channel of CCTV News reported on April 6, 2025.

During the exercise, vessels from both sides conducted training exercises, including formation maneuvering, maritime communication, and equipment drills, further enhancing their joint command and coordinated operational capabilities. This has laid a solid foundation for future multi-service joint training involving land, sea, and air forces, reported the military channel of CCTV News.

Zhang explained that the center provides logistical support for counterterrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance operations conducted by both sides, helping fulfill international obligations and contributing to global public security.

With the latest arrival of the Type 056 corvette at the Ream base, the vessel is expected to effectively strengthen Cambodia's capacity to safeguard national security and peace, while also enhancing its capabilities in maritime rescue and humanitarian operations. It marks a deepening and upgrading of China-Cambodia military cooperation, from joint exercises and training to equipment and technology collaboration, Zhang added.