Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 22 – Hard on the heels of a recent visit by a Japanese naval fleet, three Chinese Navy vessels with over 700 marines onboard, under the commandment of Adm. Yu Man Jiang, China Navy’s commander in the South China Sea have come to Cambodia’s Maritime Zone this morning on Feb. 22, 2016, according to Defense Ministry’s spokesman Gen. Chhum Socheat.

Their arrival was welcomed by Deputy Commander of Ream Navy Base Adm. Ros Veasna, Chinese Embassy’s officials, and many other naval officials. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense, Gen. Tea Banh will welcome their Chinese gusts this evening, Gen. Socheat told the press this morning.

The visit is intended for joint training on maritime and land emergency rescue exercices that will be held in the areas between the three islands namely Koh Tang, Koh Rong Sonlemn , and Koh Russey on Feb. 24. The Ministry of National Defense’s spokesperson said the visit by the Chinese Navy vessels constitutes another build-up in the defense sector of the two countries.

Last week, three Japanese vessels with 600 marines onboard also docked in Sihanouk Ville for a 4-day visit during which Japanese and Cambodian marines have met and shared experience with one another. The three Japanese vessels just left Sihanoukville port on Feb. 20.
=FRESH NEWS