(Phnom Penh): According to official plans, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) will conduct a joint military exercise titled “Golden Dragon 2025” at two separate locations within Cambodian territory. This marks the seventh large-scale drill between the two forces since the inaugural exercise in 2016. Cambodia and China are comprehensive strategic partners committed to building a community with a shared future.

The joint exercise will take place in the following locations. First, land and air operations at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Centre (Phnom Chum Sen Reak Reay) in Kampong Chhnang Province; second, naval and air operations in Cambodian maritime and airspace areas in Preah Sihanouk Province.

The Golden Dragon 2025 exercise is scheduled from 14 to 28 May 2025.

General Ith Sarath, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, told Fresh News on Tuesday (6 May) that the Golden Dragon 2025 drill will focus on the theme “Joint Counterterrorism Operations and Humanitarian Relief Work.” The exercise aims to further strengthen bilateral ties, enhance comprehensive strategic cooperation, facilitate experience-sharing, align security perspectives, and improve both countries’ real-combat readiness in counterterrorism scenarios.
Cambodia will deploy 1,331 troops, while China will send 845 personnel for the joint training.

The Cambodian contingent will employ heavy artillery, mortars, armoured vehicles, rescue vehicles, ships, helicopters, and other weapons systems.

The Chinese forces will utilise heavy vehicle-mounted artillery, mortars, wheeled combat vehicles, tracked armoured vehicles, C5 command vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), surgical-type robots, robotic dogs, helicopters, warships, amphibious assault craft, reconnaissance and attack drones, light weaponry, surveillance equipment, medical supplies, explosives, and various types of non-lethal munitions.

It is worth noting that Cambodia and China have shared 66 years of diplomatic relations. Over time, the partnership has evolved into a comprehensive strategic alliance, described as a "iron-clad friendship" and "diamond cooperation", as the two nations work together to build a community with a shared future.
=FRESH NEWS