Vietnam has expressed concern over the commencement of “Golden Dragon 2025,” the largest joint military drill between China and Cambodia, calling on all countries to uphold international law and contribute to peace in the region.
“We believe that relevant countries need to make positive contributions to peace, security, stability, and prosperity of the region and the world in accordance with the international practice, international law, and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter,” said Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hằng on May 15.
The comments came a day after Cambodia and China launched the two-week military exercise, which involved thousands of troops and advanced technology systems across multiple locations.
Joint Exercises Launch with Advanced Weaponry
Golden Dragon 2025 officially began yesterday and is scheduled to run until May 28. The drills involve over 2,000 military personnel from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
This year’s iteration includes coordinated operations across the army, navy, and air force branches.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence states that deployed assets include helicopters, warships, reconnaissance and attack drones, robotic dogs, surgical robots, armored vehicles, and artificial intelligence-powered communications and surveillance tools in the joint military drills.
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army are holding the drills at two primary sites: Phnom Chum Sen Rikreay in Kampong Chhnang province and Preah Sihanouk province on Cambodia’s southern coast.
Cambodia Says Drills Focused on Counterterrorism, Humanitarian Relief
The stated theme of this year’s Golden Dragon exercise is “Joint Counter-Terrorism Operations and Humanitarian Relief.”
Cambodian defense officials say the drills are designed to build combat readiness and enhance mutual understanding between the two militaries.
“This year’s exercise demonstrates the traditional friendship between Cambodia and China and supports the modernization of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces,” said General Chhum Sucheat, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence.
General Thong Solimo, spokesperson for the RCAF, reiterated the non-aggressive intent of the exercises. “We conduct this exercise only to exchange experiences, strengthen our ability to defend ourselves, and be able to participate in building peace in the region and the world,” he told the Associated Press.
Regional Reactions and Strategic Context
Golden Dragon drills began in 2016, the same year Cambodia canceled its annual Angkor Sentinel joint exercises with the United States.
Since then, Cambodia has deepened its defense and economic ties with Beijing, becoming one of China’s closest partners in mainland Southeast Asia.
While avoiding any direct mention of China, Vietnam’s statement reflects Hanoi’s long-standing concerns over Beijing’s influence on its neighbors and the broader strategic balance in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has sought to reengage Phnom Penh. In recent months, several senior U.S. civilian and military officials have visited Cambodia, and officials in Phnom Penh have expressed interest in resuming military cooperation with Washington.
Xi Jinping’s April Visit Reinforced Military Ties
The military exercise comes weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Cambodia in April 2025.
During the visit, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to building a “community of shared destiny,” a term frequently used in China’s foreign policy to signal deep, long-term strategic alignment.
Cambodia has consistently stated that its cooperation with China does not come at the expense of other partnerships. Still, the timing and scope of Golden Dragon 2025 have drawn regional attention.
