US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin traveled to Cambodia on Tuesday to meet with the country’s prime minister and defense minister, as Washington becomes increasingly concerned that Phnom Penh may grant China’s military exclusive access to a key naval base.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday for a brief visit aimed at reversing some of the gains China has made in the country amid increasing concern about Beijing's growing presence at a key Cambodian naval base.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Cambodia's prime minister Tuesday amid concerns in Washington over the kingdom's relationship with China, which may look to the country as a foothold in southeast Asia.