A senior Ministry of National Defence official and a government spokesman applauded US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s positive response to Cambodia’s denial of a Chinese Navy base on its territory.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok on Thursday, Pompeo welcomed Cambodia’s firm stance and hailed its commitment to protecting national territorial integrity.

“Cambodia refuted reports that it is allowing a Chinese military installation to be built on its territory. The United States welcomes Cambodia’s strong defence of its national sovereignty, and we encourage other nations in the region to follow Cambodia’s lead in protecting it.”

On July 21, the Wall Street Journal published a report based on unidentified US officials saying Cambodia and China had signed a secret agreement allowing the Chinese military to use Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk province.

This comes as Beijing pushes ahead with a plan to have its military stationed around the world, it said.

Ministry of National Defence spokesman Chhum Socheat and government spokesman Phay Siphan said Pompeo’s statement was an acknowledgement of the truth and a rendering of justice to the Kingdom.

“This is a positive response of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and I hope the US and other international media outlets will disseminate the truth and stop spreading fake news,” Socheat said.

Meanwhile, Siphan said Pompeo’s statement helped to end “confusion” and improve mutual relations. He said news of a Chinese naval base in the Kingdom was a smear campaign to cause animosity between Cambodia and the US.http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national-politics/us-renders-justice-kingdom-chinese-military-presence