China and Cambodia recently conducted their largest-ever military drills, featuring a demonstration by robot dogs equipped with automatic rifles. Both the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the U.S. military have been exploring the use of militarized robodogs. Chinese researchers have made strides in this field, surpassing American efforts by focusing on enhancing accuracy and customization of weapon mounts.
The robodogs developed by China have showcased impressive capabilities, including navigating various terrains and maintaining extended operational periods. While the American robodogs currently appear more sophisticated, China is rapidly catching up due to its manufacturing advantages, offering more cost-effective solutions.
During the drills in Cambodia, China displayed its robodog units’ walking abilities, along with deploying military personnel, armored vehicles, tanks, and warships for maneuvers. The exercise, named “Golden Dragon,” is funded by China, with the Cambodian military expressing gratitude for the support in upgrading their facilities.
Concerns have arisen over the Chinese warships docking at the Ream naval base in Cambodia, potentially signaling China’s strategic interests in the region. Despite Cambodian assurances of no foreign military deployment on their soil, experts believe China could establish a permanent presence at the Ream base, increasing its influence in the surrounding waters.
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh emphasized the importance of transparency and diversity in military partnerships while respecting Cambodia’s sovereignty. Overall, the military drills underscore the growing geopolitical implications of China’s expanding military footprint in the region.
