China, Cambodia start holding annual military drills

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Chinese and Cambodian militaries on Thursday began a joint two-week drill in the Southeast Asian nation.

The annual Golden Dragon 2024 exercises kicked off at a training base of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in the northwestern district of Svay Chek, located in Banteay Meanchey province.

Chinese troops arrived in Cambodia at Sihanoukville Port on Monday for the exercises focusing on joint anti-terrorism operations and humanitarian rescue missions.

Troops and naval vessels participating will engage in combined land and sea drills, said the Chinese Defense Ministry.

Such annual military exercises, which aim to "consolidate and develop a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Cambodia, increase political mutual trust, and expand military exchanges between the two countries," have been successfully held so far, said the ministry.

During their stay in Cambodia, the ministry said Chinese troops will also carry out humanitarian work, including delivering medicine and school supplies to villagers and students around the training site.

They will also "organize cultural exchange activities such as sports competitions and artistic performances to further promote cultural integration and enhance friendship between the two countries."