Some analysts think that, on the surface, the two warships seem like they're being given to Cambodia for free. But if we look at long-term strategic planning and the actual benefits that can be obtained, it's actually China that is making a big profit.

According to news from the Chinese media, the King of Cambodia's senior advisor and former Minister of Defense, General Dibang, visited China last month with a team to conduct an on-site inspection. The purpose of his visit was to prepare for the reception of related military work by Cambodia. Now, the progress of the two 056C-class warships is going smoothly. The first one has completed all the equipment installations and is currently undergoing technical trials to test its performance; the second one has completed 50% of the trial installation, and the subsequent work is also proceeding in an orderly manner.

Cambodia's navy is weak, and its current equipment lacks warships with strong combat capabilities. The 056 series warships are not considered high-level in the Chinese Navy, mainly performing auxiliary tasks such as coastal patrols and protection, like a general-purpose role. However, when viewed from the perspective of Cambodia or even the entire Southeast Asia region, they reach the standard of a main battle ship.

The "C" in 056C stands for "Cambodia," the first letter of the English name of the country. This type of warship was specially designed for the actual needs of Cambodia. Considering the types of tasks the Cambodian Navy usually performs and their limited budget, the 056C warship reduced its anti-submarine capabilities, without equipping devices such as towed sonar used specifically for anti-submarine operations.

At present, the most urgent need of the Cambodian Navy is to patrol and deter enemies, as well as to have basic combat capabilities, rather than complex and high-difficulty anti-submarine warfare capabilities. After all, a professional anti-submarine system costs a lot, and a set can cost tens of millions of yuan. Therefore, from the perspectives of cost-saving and meeting practical needs, this adjustment is very appropriate.

However, the 056C is no less capable in other aspects. As the old saying goes, "A sparrow may be small, but it has all its organs." It is equipped with a 76mm naval gun, which has a fast firing rate and great power, effectively dealing with coastal targets; it is equipped with anti-ship missiles, capable of remote strikes against enemy ships; the 630 rapid-fire cannon has a high firing rate and strong short-range defense, able to quickly intercept aerial targets; the FL3000N short-range ship air defense missile system enhances air defense capabilities.

Especially worth mentioning is that the 056C uses the SR2410C S-band phased array radar, which is more advanced than the radar on the Chinese Navy's own 056-type warships, a configuration that is rare in the Southeast Asian region.

Some people may ask, are the warships really given for free? Why does it say that China is making a big profit? Actually, there are profound strategic considerations behind the gift of the two 056C warships.

In April this year, the Sino-Cambodian Yunrang Port Joint Support and Training Center was officially established, which is actually the most important achievement of this military cooperation between China and Cambodia. From reports coming from Southeast Asia, especially from Vietnamese media, it is said that China wants to have a stable foothold in Cambodia, so it is providing more advanced weapons and equipment to Cambodia in exchange for the right to use Yunrang Port.

Moreover, there are reports that Cambodia is planning to open another air base for China. Although what the Vietnamese media says is definitely exaggerated, if we carefully consider, such a situation is not entirely impossible. If this were to happen, not only would giving away two 056C warships be worthwhile, but providing even more advanced equipment would also be very valuable.

The Yunrang Port is located on the western coast of Cambodia, with a key geographical position, controlling the northern part of the Gulf of Thailand, and is close to the important Sihanoukville Port. From Yunrang Port to the core area of the South China Sea is just a few hundred kilometers, and it is also close to the Strait of Malacca. From Yunrang Port, Chinese Navy vessels can conveniently reach the northern part of the Strait of Malacca. For the Chinese Navy, the use of the Yunrang Port base is extremely important. It's like having another overseas support base, similar to the Gwadar Base in Djibouti.

If the relationship between China and Cambodia becomes stronger and closer in the future, China might station destroyers here on a long-term basis. If large destroyers are deployed here, with the powerful capabilities of the new missiles such as YJ-18C, YJ-17, and YJ-20, the range of Chinese Navy operations could extend all the way to the Andaman Islands. This would be a significant threat to India, and could also change the security situation in the region to some extent.

Through such military cooperation, Cambodia's military equipment will gradually become similar to China's. When both countries use similar equipment, this can make the friendly relations between China and Cambodia even stronger, and reduce the influence of pro-American and pro-Western forces within Cambodia. By providing benefits to Cambodia, China is also setting an example for other countries. China has always adhered to the idea of peaceful development and is willing to share the benefits of peaceful development with all countries, but other countries must also clarify their attitudes and make the right decisions regarding regional security and international relations.

Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7560702015166104116/

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