Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has moved to calm tensions after the arrival of new Chinese‑made battle tanks, stressing they were ordered years ago and are not linked to the recent border clashes with Thailand.

Speaking in Battambang on 11 June, the acting head of state dismissed speculation in Thai media that the shipment signalled an escalation. He explained that the order, which will eventually total more than 100 Type‑59D tanks, was part of a long‑standing procurement plan.

“This is not a threat to anyone. Building military capacity in this manner is part of self‑defence,” Hun Sen said, noting that Cambodia already operates hundreds of tanks. The latest delivery of around 30 units, with another 90 expected, was described as modest compared with the country’s existing arsenal.

Hun Sen underlined that Cambodia has never deployed forces abroad except under UN peacekeeping missions. “Cambodia does not invade anyone. Cambodia does not threaten anyone, whether that country is strong or weak,” he said. He added that reports of tanks being sent to the border were false, with many vehicles still in containers awaiting testing.

Thai media quoted a Chinese military attaché confirming the delivery was part of a planned assistance programme rather than a response to current tensions.

Hun Sen also criticised what he called “fear‑mongering” coverage, reminding Cambodians that other nations regularly purchase military equipment without facing similar scrutiny. “We understand that all countries have their own sovereign rights,” he said.

The clarification comes amid heightened sensitivity following deadly clashes along the Thai‑Cambodian frontier last year. Hun Sen’s message was clear: the new tanks are intended to bolster national defence, not to provoke neighbours.

-2026-06-12

Even if Cambodia ordered the tanks before the border conflict with Thailand, it still treats Thailand as its principle enemy. I doubt Vietnam is in the same category.

However, Thailand dominates the air so the tanks, if not surrounded by anti aircraft missiles, are symbolic and a waste of money for such a poor country. I suspect they are for internal conflict more than external defense.