A Chinese Navy dock landing ship arrived on Monday at a Cambodian naval base, ready for a China-Cambodia joint exercise scheduled for the second half of May.
The Chinese Navy's ship, Changbaishan (Hull 989), docked at the naval base in Cambodia's Sihanoukville Province around 08:00 local time. The Cambodian side welcomed them in a grand ceremony. According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the China-Cambodia Golden Dragon 2025 joint exercise is scheduled for mid-to-late May, focusing on joint counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations. It will be conducted on land, at sea, and in relevant air spaces. There will also be cultural and sports exchanges and vessel open-day activities.
This exercise will be the seventh of its kind between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries. It is expected to facilitate practical cooperation between the two sides and contribute to the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.
The exercise will include various types of weapons and equipment of the Chinese military, including ships, helicopters, and armored vehicles.
The Chinese troops departed for the exercise from a military port in south China's Zhanjiang city on the afternoon of May 8.
During the voyage, the officers and soldiers of each task force actively carried out mutual learning and exchange activities, introducing to each other the structure of the ships, the basic performance of the participating equipment, and the precautions for loading and unloading.
They also conducted drills on joint damage control and emergency evacuation of personnel and other subjects, jointly undertaking the duty of key posts on the warship and other tasks.
Chinese troops arrive in Cambodia for joint military exercise
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
