China Backs Cambodia Military Modernisation at First 2+2 Strategic Talks
China Backs Cambodia Military Modernisation at First 2+2 Strategic Talks
PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 — China pledged support for Cambodia’s military modernisation during the first meeting of a new “2+2” strategic dialogue mechanism involving the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers, Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said on Wednesday.
The talks brought together Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun with their Cambodian counterparts in Phnom Penh, marking a new high-level platform for security and diplomatic coordination between the close allies.
Tea Seiha, Cambodia’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, said the meeting would strengthen strategic communication, deepen political trust and further advance ties between the two countries, which Phnom Penh has often described as “ironclad friends.”
He said Cambodia remained committed to expanding cooperation with China across all sectors while maintaining its firm adherence to the One-China principle.
According to Tea Seiha, the Chinese side expressed support for Cambodia’s armed forces through expanded cooperation and modernisation efforts aimed at reinforcing the country’s defence foundations.
That support would include assistance to strengthen Cambodia’s maritime, land and air defence capabilities, he said.
The launch of the 2+2 mechanism reflects increasingly close Cambodia-China relations at a time of growing geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia.
China is Cambodia’s largest investor and one of its most important political partners, with ties spanning infrastructure, trade, security cooperation and military assistance.
The two countries have also deepened defence engagement in recent years through joint exercises, training programmes and development of military facilities.
Wednesday’s meeting is expected to pave the way for broader cooperation on regional security, defence capacity-building and strategic coordination in international forums.
