Cambodia has expressed gratitude to China for continuing to provide grant assistance for humanitarian mine clearance, a priority effort that has helped protect millions of people and support development across the country.
Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), expressed “gratitude to the People and Government of China” for their long-standing support through the China-Aided Cambodia Landmine Elimination Project, which was implemented in 2008 and will run until February 2026.
“Progress from 2018 to July 2025 has seen CMAC release over 160 square kilometres of mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) contaminated land,” Ratana posted on social media, on August 16.
“More than 95,700 mines and UXOs were found and destroyed during this period, directly benefiting over 2.6 million inhabitants,” he said.
At the same time, CMAC has secured confirmation for a new three-year phase of Chinese support from 2026 to 2030, under the China-Aided Project for Landmine Impact-Free 2030 and Maximum ERW Reduction.
Ratana said the plan aims to clear 135 square kilometres of contaminated areas in six provinces — Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Kratie and Stung Treng.
Cambodia is one of the world’s most mine-affected countries, a legacy of decades of conflict.
With continued international partnerships, especially from China, officials say the country is moving closer to its long-term goal of becoming landmine impact-free by 2030.
