Two vessels of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force have made a port call at a naval base in Cambodia, which has been expanded with China's financial support.



The minesweeper tender Bungo and the minesweeper Etajima arrived on Saturday at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia's southwest.



At a welcome ceremony, Captain Amano Shinsuke, commander of the MSDF's Minesweeper Division 3, said the visit was enabled by efforts between Japan and Cambodia to promote cooperation.



The representative of the Cambodian Navy expressed welcome to the MSDF members.



Work to expand Ream Naval Base was completed this month with assistance from China.
The Japanese minesweepers are the first foreign ships to call at the base since the work was completed.



The United States has expressed concern that China may use the base for military purposes in return for its assistance.



Observers say the port call appears to be part of efforts by Japan to step up cooperation with Cambodia amid intensifying maritime activity by Beijing.



Cambodia, meanwhile, is seen to be aiming for a balanced approach to the US by accepting the vessels of its ally.