The Asia-Nikkei news service reported July 23, quoted the Wall Street Journal report that China and Cambodia have signed a secret agreement that allows Beijing to use Ream for 30 years.

(Comment: China's Ministry of Transport has said that Chinese companies are involved in the construction or operation of at least 42 ports in 34 countries, from Europe and Africa, to the Middle East, Asia and South America. Within Asia, sites like the Port of Gwadar in Pakistan, Kyaukpyu Deep Sea Port in Myanmar, Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka and the Union Development Group (UDG) tourism development in Cambodia's Koh Kong Province are among those suspected of having potential military uses.)