Cambodia & Laos Defence Forum

[luoyue]

Vietnam, Cambodia boost defence ties
PANO - Sunday, March 08, 2015, 20:54 (GMT+7)
PANO - A high-ranking delegation of the Cambodian Defence Ministry, led by General Tia Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, paid a visit to Vietnam from March 6th to 7th.

The two sides held talks in Ho Chi Minh City on March 6th, informing each other the political, socio-economic, defence and security situation over the past time. They also discussed defence cooperation and affirmed that the bilateral defence cooperation has earned significant results, serving as the backbone for the relations of the two countries.

Vietnam’s Defence Minister, General Phung Quang Thanh, thanked Cambodia’s Government and Ministry of Defence for their support towards the people and army of Vietnam, especially in searching and collecting Vietnamese martyrs’ remains. The general further stressed that Vietnam’s people and army would always stand by the people and the Royal Armed Forces of Cambodia in their cause of national construction and safeguarding.

For his part, the Cambodian General affirmed that Cambodia’s people and armed forces would always uphold the Vietnam-Cambodia traditional friendship and commit themselves to whole-heartedly promoting this traditional relationship.

The two sides agreed that their defence cooperation in the coming time would be intensively and extensively strengthened in such areas as delegation exchange, education and training, collection of martyrs’ remains, joint management of borderline, etc.

The two generals signed the Protocol and Plan for Cooperation in 2015 between the two ministries.

Translated by Huu Khoi

 

[Aepsilons]

Japan and Laos Forge New Strategic Partnership

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his visiting Laotian counterpart Thongsing Thammavong elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership following talks at Abe’s official residence in Tokyo on March 6.

The inking of the strategic partnership comes as the two countries are commemorating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year. It is an elevation from the “comprehensive partnership” that was signed in 2010.

The strategic partnership builds on several key existing strands of the bilateral relationship. Economically, as of last year Japan was Laos’ sixth-largest export market and the largest provider of official development assistance, and Japanese investment and business interest in Laos has increased recently. More attention has also been devoted to the security dimension of the relationship on issues ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to counterterrorism, with the establishment of a bilateral security dialogue in 2014.

But the burgeoning partnership should also be seen as a component of Japan’s broader engagement with Southeast Asia under Abe, which I have written about extensively (see for instance, here and here). This is particularly important because Laos is chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2016.

Substantively, the joint statement issued by the two sides stipulates that the strategic partnership will focus on cooperation in five areas: political-security; economic; trade and investment; people-to-people and cultural exchange; and cooperation on regional and international issues.

Some specifics measures were also stated under each of these areas. In the security dimension there was mention of the acceptance of Lao students in the National Defense Academy of Japan as well as HADR cooperation as co-chairs of the Experts’ Working Group on that subject in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). The economic and trade and investment areas had references to the Mekong sub-region as well as local industry development and private sector collaboration, while the people-to-people and cultural exchange section took note of some significant developments including a visa exemption for Laotians traveling to Japan, which is scheduled to start next month.

Of course, the risk of strategic partnerships is always that actual collaboration lags far behind the ambitious goals proclaimed in the joint statements. Yet several ongoing endeavors or upcoming events give Japan and Laos opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in several of these areas, including their co-chairmanship on HADR for the ADMM-Plus, the summit between Japan and five Mekong countries in July and Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN next year.



Japan and Laos Forge New Strategic Partnership | The Diplomat

 

[Nike]

haha atleast this thread keep alive

 

[pr1v4t33r]

SIPRI update

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[Aepsilons]

News: US, Cambodia partner for Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2015

KAMPONG SPEU PROVINCE, Cambodia – U.S. forces from the Idaho Army National Guard arrived in Cambodia last week for the commencement of Angkor Sentinel 2015, March 9, 2015. Angkor Sentinel is an annual bilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and hosted by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces that focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and responding to disasters. This year marks the sixth iteration of this significant and highly-productive regional training exercise.

During the exercise, U.S. service members from the Idaho Task Force, in conjunction with their Cambodian counterparts, will focus their training on Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations.

This year's event, which takes place from March 9 to 20, is not the first time the IDARNG has teamed up with the AFP. This year's exercise is the sixth time the IDARNG has undertaken the annual bilateral military exercise conducted between U.S. Armed Forces and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

"The biggest difference we've seen from last year to this year is the progression of the RCAF senior leaders," said Lt. Col. Darren Blagburn, the operations officer for Idaho Task Force. "Their capabilities and their experience has proven invaluable and they're helping the junior leaders in their development. As well, the National Guardsmen that have come back bring a wealth of experience because they know what the challenges are upfront and have solutions in their kitbags."

Soldiers from the IDARNG will conduct a combined battalion staff exercise, alongside their RCAF counterparts, at the Training School for Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces, in Kampong Speu Province, in addition to conducting Junior Leader Training, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expert Exchange, Medical First Responder and Jungle Operations training.

According to the Assistant Adjutant General-Army, Brigadier General John Goodale of the Idaho Army National Guard, Angkor Sentinel 2015 will provide an opportunity for Soldiers exchange ideas and to improve their skills for operating in a local, regional and global environment.

Likewise, Goodale points out that a few miles north of the Peacekeeping Operations Center, Cambodian and US Engineers will share in the pride of improving the quality of life for the students and faculty at the Tirumket School in Chbar Morn City in the Civil Engineer Action Project, which aims to improve their interoperability and contingency planning between U.S. and RCAF troops.

"The Soldiers will bond as they sweat in the March heat and laugh at the silliness that just happens after long hot days of training," Goodale said. "This exercise will improve military readiness and professionalism and create lasting memories and friendships."

Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2015 is the sixth iteration of the exercise and is intended to provide a training environment for troops from the Cambodian and United States armies to learn from one another.


DVIDS - Images - RCAF 'hereby announce the Angkor Sentinel Exercises 2015 open!' [Image 1 of 3]

 

[Aepsilons]

Japan to Provide $236M in Development Aid, Loans


Japan will sign off on $36 million worth of development aid projects in Cambodia next week and provide the government with almost $200 million in concessional loans for infrastructure and hospital improvements, according to a statement released by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and Japanese Ambassador Yuji Kumamara will ink the deal Monday, according to the statement.

More than half of the aid will cover the implementation of a new project to ease traffic congestion in the capital that is being rolled out by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, while the rest will be used for small hydropower projects in Rattanakiri province and rehabilitating Svay Rieng Provincial Referral Hospital.

The bulk of the $194 million in loans will go toward upgrading National Road 5 between Battambang and Poipet, with $36 million funding the continuing overhaul of Phnom Penh’s drainage system.

Japan has provided Cambodia with more than $2 billion in development assistance since 1992 and remains the country’s biggest donor.

Japan to Provide $236M in Development Aid, Loans | The Cambodia Daily

 

[Aepsilons]

Vietnam inaugurates MRO facility in Cambodia


Vietnam has inaugurated a facility in Cambodia to train the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to maintain and support materiel, the Vietnam government announced on 24 March.

According to a statement, the facility is in the central Kampong Cham province and will support the Engineering High Command of the RCAF in training military personnel to undertake maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of "weapons and equipment".

The Vietnam government said that the training facility was the first of its kind in operation in Cambodia. RCAF engineers and technicians have in recent years undergone training in Vietnam. The government added that the facility cost USD1 million to develop and is funded by the Vietnam Ministry of National Defence.

Vietnam inaugurates MRO facility in Cambodia - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Viet]

are this thread is dead? if it's, lets unsticky this

yea almost...too many lazy posters
from the news, in 2014 vietnam allocates an aid packet of $21m to the cambodia army.

Năm 2014, Việt Nam đã viện trợ quốc phòng cho Campuchia hơn 21 triệu USD - Giáo dục Quốc phòng - giaoduc.net.vn

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Cambodia ‘can’t afford’ to buy Indo weapons
Thu, 23 April 2015
Shaun Turton

Indonesian soldiers with indigenous Pindad assault rifle (photo: Pindad)
A government spokesman yesterday poured cold water on an offer by Indonesia to sell Cambodia weapons, citing budget constraints and the Kingdom’s preference for peace.

The proposal by Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was discussed with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Jakarta.

Widodo suggested that Cambodia could buy weaponry and uniforms as a follow-up to previous training programs run by Indonesia for Cambodian soldiers, the Indonesian Embassy confirmed.

Acknowledging the friendly ties between the countries, government spokesman Phay Siphan said Cambodia wouldn’t buy weapons because “we don’t have any money” to do so.

“The money in the national budget is to develop the military’s integration and soldiers’ well-being,” he said, adding that Cambodia didn’t need “weapons of mass destruction”.

“We use diplomatic channels and peaceful means to solve traditional conflict.”

According to statistics from Australia’s Department of Defence, Cambodia’s defence spending increased from about $100 million in 2008 to $277 million last year.

The report noted Cambodia relied heavily on China for military aid to buy weapons, citing the 2013 purchase of 12 Z-9 helicopters, financed by a large Chinese loan.

Jon Grevatt, Asia-Pacific industry reporter for defence analyst IHS Jane’s, said Cambodia would struggle to afford anything other than small arms and ammunition unless Indonesia provided it as military aid, which is “unlikely”.

Cambodia ‘can’t afford’ to buy Indo weapons, National, Phnom Penh Post

Le website: www..com/weapon

 

[Aepsilons]

Cambodia ‘can’t afford’ to buy Indo weapons
Thu, 23 April 2015
Shaun Turton

Indonesian soldiers with indigenous Pindad assault rifle (photo: Pindad)
A government spokesman yesterday poured cold water on an offer by Indonesia to sell Cambodia weapons, citing budget constraints and the Kingdom’s preference for peace.

The proposal by Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was discussed with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Jakarta.

Widodo suggested that Cambodia could buy weaponry and uniforms as a follow-up to previous training programs run by Indonesia for Cambodian soldiers, the Indonesian Embassy confirmed.

Acknowledging the friendly ties between the countries, government spokesman Phay Siphan said Cambodia wouldn’t buy weapons because “we don’t have any money” to do so.

“The money in the national budget is to develop the military’s integration and soldiers’ well-being,” he said, adding that Cambodia didn’t need “weapons of mass destruction”.

“We use diplomatic channels and peaceful means to solve traditional conflict.”

According to statistics from Australia’s Department of Defence, Cambodia’s defence spending increased from about $100 million in 2008 to $277 million last year.

The report noted Cambodia relied heavily on China for military aid to buy weapons, citing the 2013 purchase of 12 Z-9 helicopters, financed by a large Chinese loan.

Jon Grevatt, Asia-Pacific industry reporter for defence analyst IHS Jane’s, said Cambodia would struggle to afford anything other than small arms and ammunition unless Indonesia provided it as military aid, which is “unlikely”.

Cambodia ‘can’t afford’ to buy Indo weapons, National, Phnom Penh Post

Le website: www..com/weapon

Cambodia should consider loans.

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

China Just Gave Cambodia’s Military a Boost
Beijing delivers another batch of defense equipment to its Southeast Asian partner.

By Prashanth Parameswaran
May 27, 2015

Anti-aircraft guns are displayed during a ceremony marking China’s donation of military equipment to Cambodia at the Army Institute in Kompong Speu province on Saturday. (Khem Sovannara)

On May 23, China delivered a range of defense equipment to Cambodia as part of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to boost the capabilities of one of its key partners in Southeast Asia.

According to The Cambodia Daily, the delivery included 44 vehicles – including jeeps, rocket-launcher mounted trucks and at least a half-dozen anti-aircraft guns mounted on wheels – 20 forklifts, four mobile kitchens, some 2,000 kg of unspecified chemicals and 10,000 kg worth of spare parts. The delivery was formalized through a handover ceremony between Cambodian defense minister Tea Banh and Chinese ambassador Bu Jianguo which took place at the Infantry Institute in Kampong Speu province – a facility which was itself funded by Beijing.

The exact way in which the items will be used remains unclear. Chinese state media emphasized that the parts were for a training program for an automotive workshop, suggesting that they were aimed at boosting maintenance and repair capabilities. Lieutenant General Chao Phirun, the head of the ministry’s materials and technical services department, also reportedly said that the items would be used to train three of the Royal Cambodian Air Force’s (RCAF) Special Forces units to, among other things, go after illegal fishermen and cross-border traffickers. No further details were given, however.

China is Cambodia’s largest donor of military aid, though other actors including Vietnam also have defense relationships with the country (See, for instance: “Vietnam, Cambodia Boost Defense Ties”). Beijing’s military ties with Phnom Penh have been strengthening over the past few years. In 2013, Cambodia bought 12 Harbin Z-9 helicopters using a $195 million Chinese loan. In February 2014, it received 26 Chinese trucks and 30,000 military uniforms. The Infantry Institute – reportedly China’s first attempt to build a large-scale facility of that kind in Southeast Asia – is also often cited as one of the clear demonstrations of Beijing’s overwhelming influence in Cambodia.

In a speech at the handover ceremony, Phirun called the new delivery “another historical achievement” in China’s military assistance to Cambodia. He also added that the resources provided would improving the skills of the country’s armed forces and enable them to perform various functions including safeguarding the country’s territorial sovereignty, engaging in disaster relief operations, preventing illegal immigration, and tacking a range of other threats including human, drug and arms smuggling.

Cambodia should consider loans.

They want freebies

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Cambodian Army General Head Dress.

Mi-17 Choppers.

L-39.

Mi-8 Hip.

Mi-26.

 

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