China to train Cambodian army

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BEIJING, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- China has agreed to train the Cambodian army and to supply Phnom Penh with new weapons, starting with 12 helicopters, officials said.

The deal was signed in Phnom Penh Wednesday by Cambodian Deputy Defense Minister Moeung Samphan and Chinese Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Gen. Qi Jianguo, the Bangkok Post reported.

The military training and weapons "will help to boost the [Cambodian] military's capabilities," Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh said.

China came to the agreement with Cambodia after the United States considered, then rejected a request by Phnom Penh, Radio Free Asia reported.

It was not reported why the United States decided against going through with its own deal to train the Royal Cambodian Armed Force and supply it with weapons.