Cambodia Mulls Buying Chinese Warships
The Phnom Penh Post reported that Cambodia was in negotiations to buy two 140-metre heavy warships armed with modern weapon systems from China, citing the commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy.
According to a speech given by Royal Cambodian Navy Commander Vice Admiral Tea Vinh at a meeting with China’s Rear Admiral Yu Manjiang Cambodia is considering purchasing two Chinese warships. The plan, however, has yet to be approved by the government.
“The Royal Cambodian Navy needs two warships but communication is in process between the two defence ministries,” Tea Vinh said. “We will not use them for war – we will only use them to protect our territorial sovereignty. Cambodia should not be looked down on by its neighbours.”
Vinh also reminded Manjiang that Cambodia stayed on China’s side in the South China Sea dispute. He said he didn’t talk about such issues because “the Royal Cambodian Navy has close ties to China and respects One China”.
Meanwhile, Cambodia is holding its first-ever naval training exercise with China this week as regional anxieties rise over Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea.
On his part, the visiting Chinese Adm. said the two countries would continue to improve relationship and cooperation especially through joint maritime exercises. “China’s army and Cambodia’s would promote closer relationship so that the two countries could join hands in maintaining security and peace in the seas as well as in the region,” said Adm. Yu Man Jiang.
Three Chinese warships carrying 737 sailors docked in Preah Sihanouk province on Monday and are scheduled to leave on Friday. The Chinese navy personnel are undertaking joint exercises with the Cambodian Navy during the visit.
