China and Cambodia Bolster Life-Saving Partnership to Clear Landmines

• Proeksa Meas
• 12 April 2026
• Local News
• 1207 Views

Cambodia has achieved a significant milestone in its humanitarian mission to eliminate the threat of explosive remnants of war, successfully clearing approximately 19,000 hectares of landmines and unexploded ordnance through a dedicated partnership with China. The progress was highlighted during a high-level meeting on April 1, 2026, between His Excellency Heng Ratana, Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), and His Excellency Wang Wentian, the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia.

Since its inception in 2018, the China-Aided Cambodia Landmine Elimination Project has served as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, providing the essential technical equipment and funding necessary to secure rural communities. As of February 28, 2026, demining teams have identified and destroyed more than 105,000 explosive devices across the kingdom. This large-scale operation has also seen CMAC respond to over 5,900 emergency intervention requests, effectively neutralizing immediate threats to public safety.

The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the physical removal of munitions, fostering socio-economic development and safety for millions of residents. Comprehensive outreach efforts have provided mine risk education to approximately 4.6 million people nationwide, significantly reducing the likelihood of future accidents. Data indicates that more than 378,000 families, totaling roughly 1.45 million people, have directly or indirectly benefited from the restored safety of their agricultural lands and communities.

During the discussions, Ambassador Wang Wentian reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to Cambodia’s humanitarian goals, stating that Beijing stands ready to continue providing grants and technical assistance. This ongoing support is seen as a vital factor in accelerating Cambodia’s national strategy to become landmine-free by 2030. His Excellency Heng Ratana expressed deep gratitude for the consistent support from the government and people of China, noting that the partnership is essential for the sustainable progress and security of the nation. (read more)

• China aid
• CMAC
• Mine clearance
• UXO