Cambodia To Buy More Weapons from China

AKP Phnom Penh, July 29, 2019 --
Cambodian will purchase more weapons from China to modernise its military sector, affirmed Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HE.
While paying an inspection visit to the construction site of Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh this morning, Samdech Techo HE said this year, he decided to set aside nearly US$40 million to buy more weapons from China, after already spending US$200 million, and then US$90 million for the same purpose.
"I want to strengthen the capacity of the army. [...] Which country in the world has no weapons? Our weapons are a bit old. That's why I want to buy the new ones to equip [our forces]," he added.
The armed forces will be allowed to use real bullets during their military drill or training, stressed the Cambodian Premier.
By Khan Sophirom

https://www.akp.gov.kh/post/detail/14129

December 12, 2019
Military inspections top Chinese delegation’s agenda
A Chinese military delegation is in the Kingdom to discuss strengthening the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces’ inspection capabilities.

China over the years has donated money and equipment to the Kingdom’s armed forces and the two countries are also working together to curb corrupt practices.

Major General Jian Hong Jun, director-general of the People’s Liberation Army’s General Inspection Unit, on Monday after a meeting with Defence Minister General Tea Banh said he wants to see the Kingdom’s armed forces improve its inspection abilities.

“I’ve come to Cambodia to develop the Kingdom’s military inspection unit,” Maj Gen Jian said. “We agreed to cooperate with the Cambodian Inspection Unit to push for more cooperation.”

Maj Gen Jian added Beijing considers military ties with the Kingdom vital.

“We noted that both armies have strong foundations because we have deeply collaborated in many sectors,” he said. “Relations between both armies have reached a new level, prompting us to consider our core interests.”

“China is focused on increasing relations with Cambodia,” he added. “We hope the capacity building will have fruitful results as our two armies become stronger.”
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50669335/m ... ns-agenda/

CEOCambodiaNews wrote: ↑Thu Dec 12, 2019 7:15 pm December 12, 2019
Military
A Chinese military delegation is in the Kingdom to discuss strengthening the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces’ inspection capabilities.

China over the years has donated money and equipment to the Kingdom’s armed forces and the two countries are also working together to curb corrupt practices.

Major General Jian Hong Jun, director-general of the People’s Liberation Army’s General Inspection Unit, on Monday after a meeting with Defence Minister General Tea Banh said he wants to see the Kingdom’s armed forces improve its inspection abilities.

“I’ve come to Cambodia to develop the Kingdom’s military inspection unit,” Maj Gen Jian said. “We agreed to cooperate with the Cambodian Inspection Unit to push for more cooperation.”

Maj Gen Jian added Beijing considers military ties with the Kingdom vital.

“We noted that both armies have strong foundations because we have deeply collaborated in many sectors,” he said. “Relations between both armies have reached a new level, prompting us to consider our core interests.”

“China is focused on increasing relations with Cambodia,” he added. “We hope the capacity building will have fruitful results as our two armies become stronger.”
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50669335/m ... ns-agenda/

Is it just me, or does there seem to be a conflict of interests here?

The Phnom Penh Post

US, Cambodia pledge to strengthen military ties
Content image - Phnom Penh Post
US ambassador Patrick Murphy (left) shakes hands with Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) commander-in-chief General Vong Pisen on Tuesday. US EMBASSY IN PHNOM PENH

Mech Dara
Phnom Penh
Publication date 04 December 2019 | 23:23 ICT

The US on Tuesday pledged to help train military officers, particularly Cambodia’s blue helmet troops deployed for UN’s peacekeeping operations.

The pledge was made during a meeting between US ambassador Patrick Murphy and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) commander-in-chief General Vong Pisen. Further strengthening of the two nations’ relations was also discussed.

In a Facebook post, Pisen said: “[Cambodia] continues to collaborate with the US by exchanging visits and finding the remains of US soldiers who had gone missing in Cambodia.”

The post said Murphy had raised the alleged presence of a secret Chinese naval base on Cambodian soil but added that the US believes this to be a smear campaign meant to destabilise relations between the two countries.


Murphy said: “[We] discussed the necessary steps for expanding security collaboration, including the promotion of human rights and democracy and the protection of Cambodia’s sovereignty from the presence of a foreign military base.”

Regarding this issue, Pisen reiterated that the Kingdom’s Constitution did not authorise any foreign military base in its territory, nor does it allow the presence of its military abroad, except within the framework of a UN request.


On July 21, the Wall Street Journal published a report alleging a secret agreement between China and Cambodia for the installation of a Chinese naval base in the province of Preah Sihanouk.

The Cambodian government had denied the allegations several times, even allowing national and international journalists to visit the suspected site.

The post also announced that both sides had discussed a bilateral collaboration that would mutually benefit the parties. The collaboration is said to focus on the search for the remains of missing US soldiers in Cambodia, along with continued efforts in peacekeeping and mine-clearing missions.

RCAF General Command spokesman Thong Solimo confirmed on Wednesday that besides helping train Cambodia’s blue helmet troops, the US will help in other areas of the Kingdom’s military.


“Previously, ties between Cambodia and the US had deteriorated. But they have improved since Murphy’s mandate. The ties became fruitful again thanks to US President Donald Trump.

“The president sent a letter to Samdech [HE] confirming respect for [Cambodia’s] sovereignty and non-interference in [our] internal affairs,” Solimo said.

Political analyst Lao Mong Hay said that US’s pledge of helping Cambodia’s blue helmet troops would help improve bilateral relations.

“A good beginning is the normalisation of ties between the US and Cambodia. The US has been able to resume its connection with the RCAF, which is important in its geopolitics.

“For its part, Cambodia can allay the US’ pressing concerns over the deterioration of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and over Cambodia’s embrace of China,” he said.

US embassy spokeswoman Emily Zeeberg declined on Wednesday to provide details of the meeting between Murphy and Pisen.

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Cambodia has ordered 290 military vehicles from China
June 17, 2020

Cambodia News, Phnom Penh: It was reported yesterday, that Cambodia has ordered 290 military vehicles from China which were distributed to units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the National Police Inspectorate General to serve in each unit.


On the morning of 17 June 2020, HE HM presided over the handover and delivery of 290 military vehicles from China Organizations to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the National Police Commissariat.

The purchase of these military vehicles did not use the state budget, according to a senior army general. The source said that this fund is a charitable fund donated by Samdech Techo HE in support of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the National Police.

CEOCambodiaNews wrote: ↑Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:42 am
The purchase of these military vehicles did not use the state budget, according to a senior army general. The source said that this fund is a charitable fund donated by Samdech Techo HE in support of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the National Police.

..and they will be used for the sole purpose of distributing free rice to the poor people. AMEN

June 19, 2020
Very successful drive: PM held fundraiser to buy Chinese military trucks

Royal Cambodian Army Commander Lieutenant General HM yesterday defended the purchase of nearly 300 military trucks from China, saying the government did not use “a single riel” from the national budget.

A total of 290 military trucks arrived in the Kingdom on a cargo ship from China last week. The vehicles were handed over to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces’ units and the National Police yesterday.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium, Lt Gen Manet who is also RCAF’s deputy commander-in-chief, said the vehicles were purchased to strengthen the armed forces so it can serve the people and the nation’s interests better.

He said the trucks were purchased by the Kingdom through a fundraising effort initiated by Prime Minister HE. He said the money was donated by Cambodian companies and Cambodian people.

“I wish to clarify that we did not use even a single riel of the national budget, but used money from the fundraising with local charities,” he said. “The initiative by Samdech Decho [Mr HE] to appeal to generous people to support the army is nothing new. He has been doing this for many years.”
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50735868/v ... ry-trucks/