Chinese arms shipment to Cambodia raises tensions over Thai bord

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A New York Times investigation has revealed that China delivered a large shipment of weapons to Cambodia just weeks before deadly clashes erupted with Thailand in July, casting doubt on Beijing’s role as a neutral peace broker in Southeast Asia.

According to Thai intelligence documents reviewed by the paper, Chinese Y-20 military aircraft landed six times in Sihanoukville in June, unloading rockets, mortars and artillery shells. The weapons were stored at Ream Naval Base before being moved north to the disputed border region near Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry did not deny the shipment, though it claimed the transfers were linked to joint military exercises with China — exercises that had ended weeks earlier. Thai officials say the weapons were used in attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, resulting in at least 13 deaths on the first day of fighting.

The five-day war, sparked by a long-standing territorial dispute around an ancient temple, left over 40 dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the conflict, but analysts say Cambodia’s extensive military buildup — including new bases and roads visible in satellite imagery — suggests a more aggressive posture.

China, now the largest arms supplier to both Cambodia and Thailand, has denied sending weapons for use in the conflict. However, the Thai report details deliveries of 700 rounds for Soviet-era BM-21 rocket launchers, Chinese-made Type 90B and PHL-03 systems, and ammunition for SH-1 howitzers.

Experts say such a rapid and large-scale transfer would have required high-level approval in Beijing. Photos from the battlefield show Cambodian troops using Chinese-made 122mm rockets, further fuelling criticism of China’s role.

“This doesn’t help China’s image,” said Peter Buccaert of Fortify Rights. “Supplying weapons that end up killing civilians in neighbouring countries undermines its credibility as a peace mediator.”

The revelations come amid growing scrutiny of China’s influence in regional conflicts and its deepening military ties with Cambodia, which has received over $100 million in Chinese aid since 2018.

-2025-10-02