US Arms Roundup Under Way
Defense Minister Tea Banh says all types of US-made weapon are being collected and checked, with plans to destroy any that are old and can can’t be used and for good ones to be stored in warehouses or museums.
- By Phoung Vantha
- December 17, 2021 9:46 PM
Tea Banh says weapons were from 1970s
PHNOM PENH--Defense Minister Tea Banh says all types of US-made weapons are being collected and checked, with plans to destroy any that are old and can’t be used and for good ones to be stored in warehouses or museums.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a shooting range at the Gendarmerie Training Center in Kampong Chhnang province on Dec.17, he said all the US weapons were from the 1970s war.
"Thank US, for stopping selling weapons to Cambodia,” he said. “It's really good that we never bought from them."
Funding for the shooting range was from a Chinese Government grant to the Defense Ministry, Banh said.
Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian said the Chinese government continues to strongly oppose US pressure on Cambodia and American attacks on the close Cambodian-Chinese relationship.
"Some countries have exceeded their jurisdiction and interfered in Cambodia's internal affairs. We strongly oppose such actions," Fresh News quoted him as saying.
He said the United States has been making false accusations against the Royal Government of Cambodia, especially on the relationship between Cambodia and China, a comprehensive strategic partner and strong friend, according to Fresh news.
The US government imposed additional sanctions on the Cambodian government on Dec. 8, restricting the import of military weapons products into Cambodia, citing human rights abuses and corruption by Cambodian government actors, including the military, as well as the growing influence of China’s military in Cambodia.
In response, sanction, Prime minister Hun Sen ordered army units to have all US-made weapons destroyed or kept in warehouses.
