India’s army chief visits Laos; Indonesia ratifies global ban on nuclear tests; Cambodia-US conduct joint military exercise; China starts joint Mekong river patrol; Cambodia inaugurates Kamchay hydropower project;
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    • According to reports, India’s Chief of Army staff Gen. V.K. Singh on 7 December 2011 started his three-day visit to Laos. Gen Singh’s visit is aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation between the two nations. 1

    In another development, reports noted that, Indonesia ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a global treaty banning nuclear test explosions on December 6, 2011. The move is welcomed by the United States. With the endorsement by Indonesia's parliament, the treaty is now only awaiting ratification from the United States, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea and Pakistan. 2

    To further enhance bilateral defence relations, the royal Cambodian armed forces and the US marines begun another humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise on 12 December. The joint military exercise is being held in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. It will be completed by 18 December. 3

    In response to the rising security apprehensions for people, China along with Laos, Myanmar and Thailand has launched a joint police patrol along the Mekong river. According to reports, in recent years, extrotion, robbery, drug smuggling and human trafficking have brought bloom to Mekong region. In that regard, the joint patrol is considered a big step by the habitants. The command office of the joint patrol police is based in Yunnan province. 4

    In other develoepmts, in a significant step towards energy sufficiency, Cambodia’s 193.2 MW Kamchay dam was officially put into operation on December 7, 2011. The Kamchay hydroelectric facility is one of five in a 915-MW, $1.6 billion makeover that is being funded primarily by China. 5

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