(Left) Timothy J. Donnellan, adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard, meets with RCAF commander-in-chief General Vong Pisen on September 18 in Phnom Penh. (Right) Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (left) meets with RCAF commander-in-chief General Vong Pisen on September 18 in Phnom Penh. RCAF
General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), held separate meetings on September 18 with officials from two major world powers: Timothy J. Donnellan, adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard from the US and Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin.
Both officials reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening ties with Cambodia, including in the military sector.
During the meeting with Donnellan at RCAF General Headquarters, they discussed the progress of military cooperation between Cambodia and the US, including the recent visit by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin to Cambodia, according to the RCAF.
“The RCAF commander-in-chief requested US military assistance in human resource development within the RCAF, facilitation of mutual visits, information exchange to combat terrorism and cross-border crimes, joint exercises and continuation of the mission to recover the remains of missing US nationals in Cambodia, while enhancing cooperation between various branches of the military,” said the RCAF in a September 19 report.
Donnellan expressed his pleasure at visiting Cambodia and the Angkor region. He stated that his visit aimed to advance the four points raised by the US defence secretary during his recent visit, which include training peacekeeping forces, demining efforts, humanitarian work and disaster relief.
“Major General Donnellan expressed confidence that the US and Cambodia would continue to build strong relations and engage in joint military training based on the four key areas outlined by the US defence secretary,” the report added.
The same afternoon Pisen also met with the Chinese ambassador. Both sides expressed confidence in further strengthening relations between the two countries.
Pisen highlighted the growing ties between the two nations, describing their relationship as a “comprehensive strategic partnership characterised by an ‘ironclad friendship’, ‘diamond hexagon cooperation’ and joint efforts within the Belt and Road Initiative”.
“[Pisen] expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their continuous support in spirit, resources and finances to aid Cambodia's economic development. In the defence sector, China has provided training for human resources, assisted in modernising the Ream Naval Base, upgraded air defence systems and provided advanced weaponry and heavy artillery,” the RCAF stated.
The RCAF commander-in-chief also expressed hope that during Wang’s tenure in Cambodia, military cooperation between the two countries would expand further, with larger and more comprehensive joint exercises, increased troop participation and more advanced military equipment compared to previous years.
He called on the Chinese side to continue facilitating visits at all levels, support human resource development, assist in constructing artillery and air defence training schools for Cambodia's land forces and engage in intelligence information exchange.
Wang was quoted by the RCAF as saying, “As close neighbours and strategic partners, China and Cambodia have established an ironclad friendship that cannot be broken, having withstood numerous historical tests, changes and hardships. Therefore, we must continue working together to strengthen these ties further.”
He also took to Facebook on September 19 to comment on the meeting, stating, “Both sides agreed to further advance the good relations between the two militaries, with a view to adding momentum to the strengthening of China-Cambodia ironclad friendship.”
Kin Phea, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia's International Relations Institute, said that direct meetings, such as the one with the US state military commander, offer a clearer understanding of the country than media reports alone.
“Generally, in any meeting, we see the US side expressing a positive outlook and interest in building trust. However, in reality, misunderstandings sometimes arise. I believe the US does not seem to have a strong intention to enhance relations and cooperation with Cambodia, and efforts to restore trust are not very active,” he said.
“In contrast, China’s actions are largely consistent with their discussions. This is different from US-Cambodia relations, where promises are made during meetings, but media statements and official announcements often do not reflect those commitments,” he added.
He also noted that the recent US Department of the Treasury sanctions against tycoon Ly Yong Phat indicate a continuing erosion of trust between the two countries.
