U.S. warship docks in Cambodia, a top Chinese ally, for first time in 8 years

A U.S. Navy warship arrived Monday in Cambodia, the first such visit in eight years to a nation that is a close ally of China in Southeast Asia. Cambodia's government has suggested the port call reflects an upgrade in often-strained relations.

The USS Savannah docked at the port of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand for a five-day visit. The Savannah, classed as a Littoral Combat Ship, carries a crew of 103.

"It's great to be back, returning U.S. presence to here after eight years," the ship's commanding officer, Daniel A. Sledz, said in brief remarks to reporters. He was given a bouquet of flowers by a Cambodian officer and shook hands with a line of her colleagues.