Description

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Context

The Golden Dragon 2025 is the largest-ever bilateral military exercise between Cambodia and China focusing on counter-terrorism and humanitarian operations.

It highlights China’s expanding strategic footprint in Southeast Asia and reflects a larger geopolitical contest in the Indo-Pacific.

About the Golden Dragon Exercise

Aspect	Details
Initiated In	2016
Nature	Annual bilateral military drill
Objective	Strengthening military cooperation, capacity-building and peacekeeping
Theme (2025 Edition)	Joint counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian relief
Location (2025)	Ream Naval Base, Sihanoukville, Cambodia Located near the Gulf of Thailand offering strategic maritime access to China.
Strategic Significance	Expansion of Chinese military and naval influence in Southeast Asia. Coincides with the US–Philippines-led Balikatan exercise involving the USA, Philippines, Australia and Japan. Seen as a counter-narrative to the growing Indo-Pacific security alliance.

Strategic Implications

For Cambodia

Strengthens its military capabilities with Chinese technology and training.

Risks becoming increasingly dependent on China for defense and infrastructure.

For China

Expands power projection in the Gulf of Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Reinforces the String of Pearls strategy a network of Chinese strategic assets across the Indian Ocean.

Enhances its dual-use port infrastructure (civilian + military) raising security concerns for regional players.

For the Region

Escalates strategic competition in Southeast Asia.

Potentially undermines ASEAN neutrality.

Raises alarms for India and Quad countries due to China’s deepening footprint in littoral states.

Comparison

Feature	Golden Dragon	Balikatan
Primary Players	China, Cambodia	US, Philippines, Australia, Japan
Focus	Counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance	Interoperability, regional security, maritime ops
Tech Use (2025)	AI, drones, robotic devices	Amphibious ops, combined command & control
Strategic Intent	Expand influence in SE Asia	Contain China's assertiveness in Indo-Pacific

India’s Perspective

Concerns

China’s growing naval presence in Southeast Asia may threaten Indian maritime interests particularly in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region.

Dual-use port infrastructure similar to China’s stakes in Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan) may encircle India strategically.

Opportunities

Reinforces India’s advocacy for free and open Indo-Pacific through platforms like Quad and IORA.

Urges India to deepen naval cooperation with ASEAN, Japan and Australia.

Sources:

APNEWS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Analyze the implications of China's increasing military cooperation with smaller Asian nations for India's security and foreign policy. 250 Words.