Chum Kiri district, Kampot province – Thousands of soldiers made up of Cambodian and Chinese troops yesterday descended upon a 10,000-hectare training area here to kick off the largest-ever joint military exercise between the two nations. Dubbed the Golden Dragon, the opening ceremony displayed troops in full combat gear against a backdrop of tanks, armoured personnel carriers and attack helicopters.

 

 

RCAF commander-in-chief General Vong Pisen and China’s Major General Feng Xiang arrived in the morning to inspect weapons, armour and other military equipment before upcoming live-fire drills.

In his speech during the opening ceremony, Gen Pisen said Cambodia and China will be stronger together after the exercise, which ends on March 27.

 

 

“We will closely work together in the exercise,” he said. “This joint exercise was funded by the Chinese government and it is a reflection of our strong ties and cooperation.” Gen Pisen said to his Chinese counterpart that Cambodia has developed into a peaceful country after decades of civil war under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, noting that a lot of support came from China.

 

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50586653/china-and-cambodia-kick-off-golden-dragon-exercise/

The Chinese are more accepting of governments than western countries who place restrictions on countries who do not meet their human rights protection standards...

 

A Golden opportunity to consolidate relationships in SE Asia has been lost or diminished...China is aggressive all over the world and world leaders see them as an equal power to the US with great potential benefits...

 

Military exercises bond countries more closely together...in future conflicts...whom do you suppose they will side with?

Quote:-

"it is a reflection of our strong ties and cooperation.” 

With "invasion" in mind????

I wonder who the Chinese and Cambodians are going to 'protect' themselves from? 

Just now, IAMHERE said:

I wonder who the Chinese and Cambodians are going to 'protect' themselves from? 

each other ?