Vietnam responds to China-Cambodia military exercises

Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang made the remarks during a regular press briefing in Hanoi, referring to the 'Golden Dragon 2025' drills, which began on May 14 at the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Province.

“We believe that cooperation between countries should actively contribute to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region as well as globally, in accordance with international practices and based on international law and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter,” Hang said.

Golden Dragon 2025 marks the largest joint military exercise to date between China and Cambodia. 

Nearly 900 Chinese soldiers and more than 1,300 Cambodian troops are participating, according to AFP.

The drills are scheduled to run through May 28 and include land, sea, and air operations, featuring armored vehicles, helicopters, warships, drones, and even robotic combat dogs.

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) said the exercises are being held at two locations: ground and air drills are underway at the Gendarmerie Training Center in Kampong Chhnang Province, while maritime and additional aerial operations are taking place off the coast of Preah Sihanouk Province.

Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Colonel Zhang Xiaogang said this is the seventh edition of the Golden Dragon exercises since they began nine years ago.

He described the drills as a step toward enhancing practical cooperation and building a 'China-Cambodia all-weather community with a shared future.'

The RCAF said the goal of the exercises is to deepen military cooperation between the two countries.