Deadly Collision Claims 67 Lives in U.S. Air Disaster | At Least 30 Dead and Many Injured in Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in India | Chinese President Xi Jinping Affirms Cambodia's Role as a Key Partner in China’s Diplomatic Strategy | Xi Jinping Concludes State Visit to Cambodia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties | Chinese President Xi Jinping Concludes Successful State Visit to Cambodia | Chinese Ambassador: US-China Trade Tensions Harm Developing Nations; President Xi Urges Investment in Cambodia and Expanded Market Access | Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Ships Bungo and Etazima Dock at Ream Sea Base for Four-Day Visit | Prime Minister Hun Manet Expresses Displeasure Over Criticism of Chinese Investments During Kampot International Tourist Port Inauguration | Asian Development Bank Collaborates with Cambodia on New Development Projects Worth Over $1 Billion |
Deadly Collision Claims 67 Lives in U.S. Air Disaster | At Least 30 Dead and Many Injured in Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in India | Chinese President Xi Jinping Affirms Cambodia's Role as a Key Partner in China’s Diplomatic Strategy | Xi Jinping Concludes State Visit to Cambodia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties | Chinese President Xi Jinping Concludes Successful State Visit to Cambodia | Chinese Ambassador: US-China Trade Tensions Harm Developing Nations; President Xi Urges Investment in Cambodia and Expanded Market Access | Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Ships Bungo and Etazima Dock at Ream Sea Base for Four-Day Visit | Prime Minister Hun Manet Expresses Displeasure Over Criticism of Chinese Investments During Kampot International Tourist Port Inauguration | Asian Development Bank Collaborates with Cambodia on New Development Projects Worth Over $1 Billion |

Defense Spokesperson Clarifies Docking of Two Chinese Vessels for Joint Military Drill

  • Posted May 8, 2024 09:32 by Anthony Ellis
  • 2938
  Aa |   aA

Phnom Penh, 08 May, 2024: Amidst recent speculation, the docking of two Chinese naval vessels in Preah Sihanouk province has been clarified by H.E. Chhum Socheat, Spokesperson of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, as part of preparations for an upcoming joint military exercise titled "Golden Dragon" between the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), slated for mid-May.

Addressing misconceptions, Socheat emphasized in a Facebook post that the presence of these vessels does not signify the establishment of a Chinese military base in Cambodia. He denounced recent reports from foreign radio stations exaggerating the situation, labeling it as misinformation intended to distort Cambodia's sovereignty and international activities.

According to Socheat, the docking of the Chinese vessels stems from an agreement between the Cambodian and Chinese Ministries of National Defense. China's involvement includes training Cambodian naval forces in technical skills related to ship usage and modern technologies, contributing to the modernization of the Cambodian Navy. This collaboration reflects the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations and their shared vision of a Community of Common Destiny.

Moreover, the spokesperson clarified that the docking serves as a trial for the Ream port, constructed with Chinese assistance. Cambodia's intention to procure similar vessels for future military use underscores the docking's purpose as a training exercise rather than the establishment of a permanent Chinese military presence in Cambodia, as portrayed by certain foreign media outlets with political agendas.

Reaffirming Cambodia's stance, Socheat reiterated the government's unwavering position against hosting foreign military bases, in adherence to the country's constitution.

The upcoming "Golden Dragon" military exercise, the 6th of its kind, will focus on joint counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian relief efforts.

Related News