Airstrip raises fear of Chinese military base in Cambodia

A NEW runway being constructed in a Cambodian jungle has raised fears that China is preparing to base troops around the south-east Asian country.

The New York Times reported that the 10,500ft runway, being built by a Chinese firm at Dara Sakor International Airport near Cambodia’s southwestern coast, has a tight turning bay: a style often used by fighter jet pilots.

Its location is near ports the US fears may also be used by Beijing’s troops.

China has expanded its military presence in disputed territory in the nearby South China Sea over the past decade. China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have competing and sometimes overlapping territorial claims there.

Military observers have warned that Beijing may be pouring money into Cambodia for military reasons. Between 2013 and 2017 China invested £4.1billion in Cambodia.

Lt Col Dave Eastburn, spokesman for the Pentagon, told The New York Times: “We are concerned that the runway and port facilities are on a scale that would be useful for military purposes and greatly exceeds commercial needs.”