Government spokesman Phay Siphan slammed the recent reports of a "secret deal" allowing China to use a Cambodian naval base as "the worst of fake news" and "political in nature".

The Government Spokespersons Unit on Thursday held a press conference to deny reports by the Wall Street Journal and other international media outlets that Cambodia has signed a secret agreement allowing the Chinese military to use the Kingdom's Ream Naval Base for 30 years.

"These groundless allegations are the worst of fake news and affect Cambodia's reputation. The government considers this negative fabricated news to be political in nature.

“It is unacceptable on the part of Cambodia's leaders and its people, who are voters and decide the fate of their country.

"The reports, which fail to quote a clear source, have not only affected Cambodia’s reputation but also misled people and devalued journalistic professionalism and its code of ethics,” Siphan told reporters.

Cambodia, he said, was a state with complete sovereignty and territorial integrity, and so would never allow foreigners to interfere in its internal affairs.