A joint military exercise between China and Cambodia started with a grand opening ceremony on Saturday in central Cambodia's Kampong Chhnang Province.
The drill, codenamed Golden Dragon-2025, is the seventh of its kind between the Chinese and Cambodian militaries to enhance practical cooperation between the two sides and contribute to building an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.
Military attachés from 14 countries, including China, the United States, Indonesia, Laos, Russia, and Vietnam, and relevant personnel from local government agencies and armed forces in Cambodia attended the ceremony at a training center of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
After the representatives of China and Cambodia delivered their speeches, the participants visited various types of equipment, such as infantry fighting vehicles, assault vehicles, helicopters, and unmanned aircraft. They took group photos to mark the event.
Themed peace, friendship, and cooperation, the Golden Dragon-2025 drill will focus on joint counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
"It's the first time that the China-Cambodia Golden Dragon-2025 joint exercise used the China-Cambodia Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream for maritime drills. It's also the first time that air force helicopters and radar troops were dispatched to participate in this cross-border exercise. The drills were conducted in both land-air and sea-air directions, with multiple arms of the Chinese and Cambodian militaries training together, exchanging experiences, and jointly enhancing their capabilities to counter real-world terrorist threats through coordinated operations," said Jin Xing, a Chinese officer.
During the drill, there will be cultural and sports exchanges and vessel open-day activities. The Chinese side will also carry out activities such as medicine delivery services and provide educational assistance to local people.
Cambodia, China kick off 7th joint military drill
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
