Cambodia and China Launch
Largest-Ever Joint Military Drills
Jeffrey Neal Johnson / Defense World

(May 14, 2025) — Cambodia and China commenced their most extensive joint military drills to date, showcasing a range of sophisticated Chinese military technology, including warships, artillery, and, notably, robot battle dogs.

The exercises, dubbed “Golden Dragon,” underscore the deepening strategic alignment between the two nations and have drawn attention to China’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia.

Unprecedented Scale and Advanced Technology

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) announced that the drills, scheduled to run until May 28, involve nearly 900 Chinese military personnel and over 1,300 Cambodian soldiers. This year’s iteration surpasses previous exercises in participant numbers and the array of military hardware deployed.

A significant Chinese naval presence is part of the manoeuvres, with the large naval vessel, Changbai Shan, having docked at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base on Monday, delivering equipment for the exercises. The Ream Naval Base itself has been a subject of international interest due to Chinese funding for its renovation, sparking concerns in Washington about its potential use by Beijing to project power in the Gulf of Thailand.

The exercises feature an impressive display of Chinese military innovation, including armored vehicles, helicopters, warships, reconnaissance drones, and, for the first time on such a large scale, robot battle dogs. The RCAF stated that the annual drills aim to “develop deeper ties and cooperation” between the two armies.

Some reports indicate the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will also deploy three other naval vessels in addition to the Changbai Shan, two new-model Chinese Z-20 helicopters, 20 reconnaissance and combat drones, and crewless ground vehicles. The exercises will reportedly focus on joint counterterrorism operations and humanitarian relief.

Strategic Undertones and Regional Reactions

Cambodia has long been a steadfast ally of China, benefiting from substantial Chinese investment. This growing relationship has not gone unnoticed, particularly by the United States, which has expressed apprehension about China’s strategic intentions in the region, especially concerning the Ream Naval Base.

Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak commented that the “Golden Dragon” exercises serve as a platform for China to “flex its muscle” and project its image as a superpower. He elaborated that beyond a show of strength, China aims to build confidence among its regional partners, demonstrating its growing military capabilities and technological advancements. “Definitely China is trying to … grow its influence within the region,” Ou Virak stated.

The exercises also follow a recent two-day visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia in April, which focused on further strengthening bilateral relations. Cambodia is also slated to receive two warships from China, further solidifying their military cooperation.

Evolving Military Alliances

The “Golden Dragon” drills were first initiated in 2016. Their commencement and subsequent expansion coincided with Cambodia’s decision in early 2017 to discontinue the “Angkor Sentinel” joint exercises, which had been conducted annually with United States forces for the preceding seven years. This shift highlights a significant realignment in Cambodia’s foreign and military partnerships.

RCAF spokesman Thong Solimo confirmed the increased scale of this year’s drills, telling AFP, “The exercises are bigger than last year in terms of both personnel and equipment.” He noted the docking of the Chinese naval vessel Changbai Shan at the Ream Naval Base as part of the preparations.

The ongoing “Golden Dragon” exercises represent a clear manifestation of the robust and evolving military relationship between Cambodia and China. As China continues to assert its presence on the global stage, such drills are increasingly viewed as indicators of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia and beyond. The display of advanced weaponry, including robotic technology, signals a new dimension in their military collaboration, likely to be closely watched by international observers.