A Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier explains techniques in using a Chinese-made QBU-191 precision rifle during a training session of the China-Cambodia Golden Dragon-2024 joint exercise held at a training base of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces on May 18, 2024. Photo: Screenshot from the WeChat account of the PLA Southern Theater Command

The ongoing China-Cambodia joint exercise is proceeding smoothly after its launch, as the Cambodian troops got their hands on some of China's latest weapons and equipment, showing a high level of mutual trust between the two militaries, experts said on Sunday.

The Golden Dragon-2024 joint drills entered the adaptation phase on Saturday, when the participating troops from both sides practiced their skills and had deep exchanges, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said in a press release on Sunday.

In a light arms exchange session, Chinese soldiers guided their Cambodian counterparts through using Chinese sniper rifles. Photos released in the Southern Theater Command's press release show that the type of the sniper rifle featured in the exchange session was the QBU-191, the latest precision rifle in service with the PLA.

The two sides also held exchanges over the operation of unmanned intelligent equipment, medical equipment and first aid techniques, in addition to having cultural and entertainment activities that boosted friendship and mutual trust, the Southern Theater Command said.

Exchanges over some of latest weapons and equipment, including the newest rifles and drones, showed a high level of military mutual trust between China and Cambodia, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Sunday.

In potential joint operations, being able to operate each other's weaponry is important in enhancing interoperability, the expert said.

The joint exercise can enhance mutual understanding and deepen traditional friendship between the two countries, and will lay a solid foundation for future security cooperation, Zhang Junshe, another Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Under the theme of "joint counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian relief" and being held separately on the land and at sea, the China-Cambodia Golden Dragon-2024 joint exercise kicked off on Thursday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported at the time.

Focusing on the rescue of hostages in urban regions, the elimination of enemies in mountainous camps and maritime anti-hijacking, the exercises are divided into three phases, namely the adaptation phase, the command phase and the live-action phase, CCTV reported.

The drills aim at non-traditional security threats, including the common threats faced by humanity like terrorism, piracy and natural disaster, experts stressed.

The exercise is not targeted at any other country, and is conducive to peace and stability in the world and the region, Zhang said.

More than 300 Chinese participating troops from the army, navy and joint logistic support force of the PLA Southern Theater command, maneuvered to Cambodia via sea transport on a Type 071 comprehensive landing ship in early May, according to official reports.

Over 2,000 participants from both sides are reportedly joining this exercise, with the Chinese side sending more than 500 vessels, armored vehicles and weapons.

The China-Cambodia joint drills came at a time when the Philippines has been stirring up trouble and taking provocative actions toward Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

Both Cambodia and the Philippines are ASEAN members, but what the Philippines is doing is sabotaging peace and stability and violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and ASEAN members, Zhang said.

The Philippines should learn from Cambodia and make joint efforts in safeguarding regional peace and stability with China, resolve disputes through talks and negotiations, rather than acting as a US pawn, Zhang said.