China and Cambodia Conduct 'Golden Dragon 2024' Military Exercises Featuring Robotic Dogs

China and Cambodia have conducted joint military exercises named 'Golden Dragon 2024,' showcasing advanced robotic dogs equipped with machine guns, flamethrowers, and missile systems. These exercises involved 2,060 troops and focused on non-traditional security threats such as counter-terrorism and anti-piracy.

The robotic dogs, capable of autonomous movement and obstacle avoidance, highlight China's technological advancements in military hardware. The exercises underline the strategic partnership between China and Cambodia, reflecting China's significant investments and geopolitical interests in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea.

Why this matters: The joint military exercises between China and Cambodia, featuring advanced robotic dogs, highlight the growing military presence and influence of China in Southeast Asia, which could potentially alter the regional power dynamics. This development could have significant implications for the security and stability of the region, and may lead to increased tensions between China and other nations with interests in the area.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Phnom Penh following the exercises, meeting with Cambodian officials including Prime Minister Hun Manet, Defense Minister Tea Seiha, and Senate President Hun Sen. The visit aimed to discuss defense issues and bilateral relations amid growing US concerns over China's influence in the region.

The US has expressed 'serious concerns' about China's plans for exclusive control over portions of the Ream Naval Base, which Cambodia has denied. Relations between the US and Cambodia have been strained over the past decade because of concerns about the suppression of Cambodia's political opposition and its close ties with China's ally.

The 15-day joint military exercise featured three Chinese warships, two of which have been docked at the Ream naval base for six months. This presence highlights China's growing military footprint in the region, which has been a point of contention with the US.

Austin's visit, the first bilateral visit by a US Secretary of Defense to Cambodia, is seen as an attempt to reassure US allies of its commitment to the region. Analysts believe that the transition of leadership in Cambodia from Hun Sen to his son Hun Manet presents an opportunity for improving US-Cambodian relations.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, who graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, discussed with Austin ways to resume cooperation, including Cambodian access to US military education programs and joint military exercises. This dialogue marks a potential thaw in relations between the two countries.

The exercises and subsequent diplomatic engagements highlight the complex dynamics in Southeast Asia, where US and Chinese interests often collide. The region faces these challenges, and the outcomes of such military collaborations and diplomatic discussions will be closely watched.

Key Takeaways

• China and Cambodia conduct joint military exercises, "Golden Dragon 2024", featuring robotic dogs with machine guns and flamethrowers.
• The exercises highlight China's growing military presence and influence in Southeast Asia.
• US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Cambodia, discussing defense issues and bilateral relations amid concerns over China's influence.
• The US expresses "serious concerns" over China's plans for exclusive control over parts of the Ream Naval Base.
• The diplomatic engagements mark a potential thaw in US-Cambodian relations, with discussions on resuming cooperation and joint military exercises.