Cambodia, China Step Up Cooperation on Landmine Clearance

PHNOM PENH, March 1, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has reaffirmed its close cooperation with China on landmine clearance, highlighting progress in removing explosive remnants of war that continue to affect communities nationwide.

During a meeting at the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh, Heng Ratana, Delegate of the Royal Government and Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), met with Chinese ambassador Wang Wentian to discuss strengthening their partnership in mine action.

Ratana shared updates on clearance efforts under a China funded project launched in 2018. Authorities said more than 19,000 hectares of contaminated land have been cleared, with over 105,000 landmines and explosive devices destroyed.

The programme has also responded to nearly 6,000 emergency requests and delivered mine risk education to more than 4.6 million people, benefiting an estimated 1.4 million directly or indirectly.

Ratana noted that Chinese technical equipment has made operations safer and more efficient, expressing gratitude for Beijing’s continued financial and technical support.

Ambassador Wang praised Cambodia’s progress in maintaining peace and advancing mine clearance, saying the country’s experience could serve as a model for others facing similar challenges.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting humanitarian mine action through grants and technical assistance to accelerate clearance and promote long term development.

Cambodia remains one of the world’s most affected countries by landmines and unexploded ordnance, a legacy of decades of conflict.