Sihanoukville: A multi-functional Type-071 vessel (No. 989) of the People's Liberation Army Navy of China arrived at Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk province this morning to participate in the annual joint Cambodia-China military exercise, Golden Dragon 2025. The Chinese delegation, led by Rear Admiral Lyu Guangkun, was warmly welcomed by senior officers of the Royal Cambodian Navy.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the vessel measures 210 meters in length and 28 meters in width, with a displacement of 25,000 tonnes, a draft of 7 meters, and a top speed of 25 knots. The Golden Dragon 2025 exercise, now in its seventh edition, will be conducted from May 14 to 28 in Kampong Chhnang and Preah Sihanouk provinces. This year's theme is 'Joint Counter-Terrorism Operations and Humanitarian Relief Work.'
The exercise aims to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Chinese People's Liberation Army, focusing on disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and counter-terrorism operations under the UN framework. This year, the drill brings together 1,331 Cambodian and 845 Chinese personnel, along with a wide range of military equipment including warships, helicopters, drones, robots, weapons, and ammunition.
Cambodia and China launched the Golden Dragon military drill in 2016.