Sihanoukville, Cambodia – In a display of military cooperation and goodwill, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) opened its warships to Cambodian military personnel on May 18th, as part of the ongoing Golden Dragon-2025 joint military exercise. The event took place at Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, a key port city in Cambodia.
The warships involved in the open day were the PLAN’s amphibious transport dock Changbaishan (989), and two Type 056A Corvettes Panzhihua (613) and Guangyuan (610). Cambodian officers and sailors were given the opportunity to tour the vessels, learn about their capabilities, and interact with their Chinese counterparts.
The Golden Dragon exercise, an annual event between China and Cambodia, is designed to enhance interoperability, strengthen military ties, and promote regional stability. While specific details of the exercise are not publicly available, it typically involves a range of activities including live-fire drills, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
This year’s iteration, dubbed Golden Dragon-2025, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between China and Cambodia. The exercise, and particularly the ship visit, serves as a tangible demonstration of China’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s military modernization and fostering closer relations between the two nations.
The open day event is more than just a public relations exercise. It provides a valuable opportunity for both sides to learn from each other, exchange best practices, and build trust. Such interactions are crucial for effective cooperation in future joint operations and for maintaining regional security.
While some Western observers have expressed concerns about China’s growing military presence in the region, China maintains that its military activities are aimed at promoting peace and stability. The Golden Dragon exercise, according to Chinese officials, is a prime example of this commitment, demonstrating China’s willingness to work with its neighbors to address shared security challenges.
The Golden Dragon-2025 exercise is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further opportunities for joint training and cooperation between the Chinese and Cambodian armed forces.
References:
- Xinhua News Agency. (2024, May 18). 中柬“金龙-2025”联演中方参演部队举行舰艇开放日 [Chinese participating troops in China-Cambodia Golden Dragon-2025 joint exercise hold warship open day]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here – as this is a hypothetical article based on a provided snippet, I cannot provide the actual URL].
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