China to help Cambodia modernise its armed forces - government

By Prak Chan Thul PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - China has agreed to help modernise Cambodia's military, Cambodia's defence minister said on Monday, after the two countries signed new agreements to boost military aid. Cambodia is China's loyal ally in Asia, routinely backing Beijing's position at international forums in a region where China and United States vie for influence. Cambodia has shielded China from criticism by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the South China Sea.