Cambodia, China launch annual military drill

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China and Cambodia launched an annual joint military drill on Wednesday, according to the Khmer Times newspaper.

The China-Cambodia Golden Dragon 2025 joint military exercise began at two locations in Cambodia, it said.

The seventh edition is focused on counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, according to the state-run media CGTN.

The exercise includes the coordination of the army, navy and air force, and strives to enhance the practical combat capabilities of both nations’ armed forces.

The drill will run until 28 May.

Cambodian National Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Chhum Sucheat said the exercise will involve more than 2,000 Cambodian and Chinese troops, alongside modern weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, surgical robots, robotic dogs, land-based vessels, reconnaissance and attack drones, intelligence equipment and other technologies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also planned in the exercise.

Sucheat said the exercise does not pose a threat or harm to other countries.