China and Cambodia wrapped up two weeks of joint drills this week in what analysts said was Beijing’s latest effort to mitigate American influence in Southeast Asia.
During the “Golden Dragon 2023” drill between March 23 and April 5, troops from both countries conducted a range of exercises, from blockade and control, to hostage rescue, epidemic disinfection, mine clearance and explosive removal, according to China’s defence ministry.
It was the fifth such exercise between China and Cambodia, which is a traditional ally of China in Southeast Asia.
