In Cambodia, the annual Golden Dragon military exercise is set to take place this week, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and exchanging military experiences between Cambodia and China. This exercise will involve a total of 1,315 military personnel from Cambodia and 760 from China, supported by three Chinese warships and 11 Cambodian ships. The exercise, which focuses on training to fight terrorism and provide humanitarian relief, will last for 15 days starting on Thursday. This initiative comes after Cambodia canceled similar exercises with the United States called Angkor Sentinel.
China’s relationship with Cambodia is described as “ironclad,” with Cambodia being China’s closest ally in Southeast Asia. China is also Cambodia’s most important ally and benefactor, with a significant influence on the country’s economy. This strong partnership has led to numerous Chinese-funded projects in Cambodia, particularly in infrastructure development such as airports and roads, as well as private projects like hotels, casinos, and property development. More than 40% of Cambodia’s $10 billion in foreign debt is owed to China, showcasing the depth of their economic ties.
One of the major Chinese-financed projects in Cambodia is the Funan Techo Canal project, a 180-kilometer canal that aims to connect the capital, Phnom Penh, to the Gulf of Thailand. This project, valued at $1.7 billion, has raised concerns from neighboring Vietnam due to its potential impact on regional security. Analysts in Vietnam fear that the canal could make it easier for China to deploy military forces close to their southern coast, heightening tensions between the two countries. Vietnam and China have long-standing disputes over maritime territories in the South China Sea.
China’s involvement in Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand has also caused apprehension, particularly from the United States and international security analysts. There are concerns that the naval base could become a strategic outpost for Beijing’s navy, further extending China’s influence in the region. In December, two Chinese naval vessels docked at the base’s new pier, coinciding with a visit by China’s top defense official. This move underscores China’s growing presence and influence in Cambodia, as highlighted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to the country in April to reaffirm the strong ties between the two nations.
