CMAC: China now leading mine clearance supporter
CHINA is the foremost foreign financial supporter of the mine action sector in Cambodia, according to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). Their contribution places China at the top of the list, followed by Japan, the US and other countries.
Heng Ratana, director-general of CMAC, also highlighted the significant role of the Cambodian government, which stands as the primary supporter of the sector in the country.
According to Ratana, this evidenced by the government’s commitment to achieving the goal of mine elimination in Cambodia by the end of 2025, with over $30 million allocated towards supporting demining initiatives.
He expressed his high regard for the cooperation and assistance provided by China during a video interview posted on CMAC’s official social media page on January 17.
“I would like to highly commend the cooperation and assistance provided by the Chinese government to our country, Cambodia. Their support has significantly advanced our demining activities. Without this partnership with China, we would face many challenges that could hinder us from achieving our goals,” he said.
Ratana noted that China’s assistance encompasses three main areas: financial support for demining operations, provision of equipment to demining partners, particularly the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and training of human resources.
“We have seen an increase in both attention and assistance from [China] on this matter. Through our meetings, the Chinese representatives have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting Cambodia during this crucial phase of clearing unexploded ordnance [UXO], thereby ensuring the safety of our people. China’s continued support in this development is noteworthy,” he added.
Ratana acknowledged the extensive and time-consuming nature of demining activities still ahead.
He said the centre has devised a strategic plan aligned with the government’s strategy, targeting a significant reduction in explosive remnants of war (ERW) by 2028 and continuing until 2035 to eliminate them from the country’s territory.
Ratana reported that approximately 30 million cluster munitions were dropped during the war, affecting around 70 per cent of Cambodian villages, equating to about 10,000.
He added that the centre is currently compiling the national data.
According to CMAC, it aims to clear 278sq km of landmines in 2024, marking an increase of roughly 10sq km from 2023.
During a visit to the centre on January 15, Ma Shengkun, deputy director-general of the Department of Arms Control at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended CMAC’s efforts in providing safe land and developing infrastructure for people in affected areas.
He also reiterated China’s commitment to continue aiding the Kingdom, including financial, technical and human resource training support for CMAC operations.