Cambodia, China begin largest-ever military drills

Chinese navy personnel wave near a banner reading “Bring peace and friendship to meet good friends“ on the deck of the training ship Qijiguang as it prepares to dock during a welcome ceremony at the Sihanoukville port in Preah Sihanouk province on May 19, 2024. - Photo: AFP file

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and China on Wednesday (May 14) began their largest-ever joint military exercises, involving advanced Chinese military hardware including artillery, warships and robot battle dogs.

Cambodia has long been a staunch ally of China, receiving billions of dollars in investments, and Washington has voiced concerns that Beijing is using a Cambodian naval base it renovated on Gulf of Thailand to expand its influence in the region.