A planned joint air force exercise between China and Thailand in late September has sparked debate among Cambodian officials and observers. While China frames the drills as a routine effort to strengthen military cooperation, some Cambodian opposition figures are questioning Beijing's loyalty as a 'diamond-like' ally, particularly in light of ongoing border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.
A Drills During Tense Times
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense recently announced that it will send various military aircraft and air defense troops to Thailand for the annual exercise. Since 2015, these drills have been held at a Thai airbase in Udon Thani province.
However, the 2025 exercises are taking place amid a tense border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, an ally often referred to by Beijing as an "iron friend." This has led to renewed scrutiny of China's foreign policy in the region.
The Perspective from Phnom Penh
The announcement has not been well-received by some members of Cambodia's political opposition. Former CNRP lawmaker Um Sam An argues that if China truly considers Cambodia a "steel friend," it should suspend military exercises with Thailand, a country that has previously used its air force to invade Cambodian territory.
He referred to the five-day war from July 24-28, during which the Thai air force allegedly used F-16 and Gripen fighter jets to launch attacks that resulted in the deaths of soldiers and civilians, as well as damage to homes and the Preah Vihear temple.
Um Sam An believes China's continued military cooperation with Thailand proves that Beijing's relationship with Cambodia is not as deep as Phnom Penh claims. He suggested that China views Cambodia as a strategic tool to gain support on the international stage, particularly regarding the South China Sea dispute.
A Political and Strategic Exercise?
Social and political observer Por Makara views the China-Thailand air drills as more than just a traditional military exercise. He believes that while they serve to strengthen technical and strategic skills, they may also "embed Thailand’s political agenda," hinting at a potential alignment that could sideline Cambodia's interests.
Ultimately, this latest development forces a public conversation about the nature of Cambodia's alliances and whether its "iron friends" prioritize its security interests over their own regional agendas.
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