China’s Growing Military Footprint in Cambodia: Strategic Shift or Regional Warning?
Cambodia’s largest-ever joint military exercise with China, signals a departure from its previously non-aligned stance, exemplified by its neutrality in the Ukraine War. As a strategic hub in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is deepening ties with Beijing, endorsing China’s global initiatives and advancing its regional interests. The exercise features sophisticated Chinese military assets, including artillery, warships, and even robotic battle dogs. Cambodia’s longstanding alliance with China has been cemented by substantial investments worth billions. Meanwhile, Washington has expressed concern over Beijing’s growing influence, particularly regarding the recently renovated Cambodian naval base on the Gulf of Thailand, which the U.S. suspects could serve China’s strategic ambitions in the region. Cambodia’s tilt toward China raises questions about its evolving geopolitical posture and the broader implications for Southeast Asia.
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) announced that nearly 900 Chinese military personnel and over 1,300 Cambodian soldiers participated in joint exercises. These drills showcase advanced Chinese military equipment, including armoured vehicles, helicopters, warships, reconnaissance drones, and robotic battle dogs. The annual event aims to strengthen bilateral military ties and enhance cooperation between the two forces. RCAF spokesman Thong Solimo told AFP that this year’s exercises surpassed previous iterations in both scale and sophistication, highlighting Cambodia’s deepening defence collaboration with China. The expanded drills reflect growing regional dynamics and strategic military engagements in Southeast Asia.
A large Chinese naval vessel, the Changbai Shan, reportedly arrived at Cambodia’s Beijing-renovated Ream Naval Base, carrying military equipment intended for joint exercises. Observers have noted that China aims to assert its military presence and reinforce its status as a global power through the Golden Dragon drills. Analysts suggest that beyond demonstrating strength, China seeks to enhance its regional influence and foster confidence among its partners by showcasing its expanding military capabilities, technological advancements, and strategic growth.
Additionally, Cambodia is expected to receive two warships from China, further solidifying its defence cooperation with Beijing. The Golden Dragon exercises, first conducted in 2016, mark a significant shift in Cambodia’s military alliances. In 2017, the country discontinued its joint military drills with the U.S., known as Angkor Sentinel, which had been held for seven consecutive years. The timing of these exercises aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Cambodia in April, an effort aimed at strengthening diplomatic and military ties between the two nations.
China’s growing influence has led some strategic experts to reassess Cambodia’s commitment to international law and multilateralism, once seen as central to its independent, rules-based foreign policy. Analysts had previously admired Cambodia’s neutral stance as ASEAN’s chair in 2022, particularly in navigating the bloc’s internal challenges during a difficult year. Moreover, since February 2022, Cambodia has endorsed UN General Assembly resolutions opposing violations of state sovereignty and military aggression.
Despite China’s backing of Russia, Cambodia took a notable position by rejecting the war in Ukraine, even though it shares historical ties with Russia. However, Cambodia’s ability to resist Chinese influence is increasingly constrained by geopolitical and economic realities. It remains firmly aligned with Beijing, supporting the “One China” policy and playing an active role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Notably, Cambodia has hindered ASEAN’s efforts to counter China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, further underscoring its strategic alignment with Beijing. This trend suggests Cambodia’s foreign policy is shifting toward deeper entrenchment in China’s geopolitical framework.
China’s economic and geopolitical influence is felt most acutely in Cambodia, where it stands as the largest foreign investor. Billions have flowed into infrastructure, shaping Cambodia’s roads, bridges, ports, and real estate landscape. However, these investments often come with conditions that deepen Cambodia’s dependence on Beijing.
A significant portion of Cambodia’s external debt, over 35%, is owed to China, restricting its financial autonomy and granting Beijing leverage over key decisions. This reliance has extended beyond economics into the political realm, with Cambodia consistently aligning itself with China’s foreign policy agenda. The growing entanglement underscores how economic influence translates into strategic control, reinforcing China’s dominant role in the region. Cambodia’s position reveals the broader geopolitical shifts unfolding across Southeast Asia.
China has played a crucial role in supporting Cambodia’s leadership, particularly during the 2017 crackdown on the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). While Western nations condemned the move, Beijing provided diplomatic backing and financial assistance, ensuring then-Prime Minister Hun Sen’s continued dominance. In response to Western sanctions over human rights concerns, China offered additional investments and loans, solidifying its influence. This political and economic support has further strengthened military ties between Beijing and Phnom Penh, deepening Cambodia’s reliance on China and reinforcing its strategic alignment in regional affairs.
Regional strategic experts are increasingly concerned about China’s expanding military cooperation, with the Ream Naval Base serving as a key example. Beijing has secretly financed upgrades, fueling speculation that it seeks to establish its first foreign military foothold in Southeast Asia. Cambodia officially denies such intentions, yet satellite imagery and investigative reports indicate substantial Chinese involvement in the base’s design and construction, reinforcing suspicions of deeper military collaboration.
