Thailand approves purchase of Chinese tanks to replace old U.S. model
The Thai cabinet on Tuesday approved the purchase of 10 Chinese tanks worth $58 million to replace an old U.S. model, a government spokesman said, the second of three planned purchases of 49 tanks from China.
Thailand ordered 28 tanks from China last year.
"These tanks will replace the M41 tanks, which are small and old," Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters.
Thailand has used the U.S. M41 light tanks since World War II, said Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.
Relations have been strengthening between China and the United States' oldest ally in Southeast Asia, particularly since ties with the United States cooled after a 2014 coup.
In January, the cabinet also approved 13.5 billion baht ($380 million) to buy a submarine from China and is considering buying three more.
Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has boasted of his new friendship with China as he has talked down the relationship with the United States, despite a longstanding territorial dispute with Beijing.
A U.S. Navy aid unit has also been told to leave Cambodia, the U.S. embassy said, in a new sign of the country loosening links with Washington as it strengthens ties with Beijing.
(Reuters)
is it sign that, bangkok turn to beijing?
BalasHapusThe Chinese has one selling tactic unmatched by others that is financing. When the Malaysian Navy bought the four Littoral Mission Ship, there is a financing arrangement. Plus, the Thai is also looking at local production of armored vehicles (and tanks?)
BalasHapusChinese are trying to draw in as many allies as possible especially the one that has close relationship with USA by giving very favorable loan and investment.
Hapuspada beralih smua ogah campur tangan barat dan amrik atas nama HAM tapi burgernya gak perna kena embargo tuch om antiembalgo haha! mekdi,bikei jalan teyuzzz enyakk nyam nyam haha!
BalasHapussekali buat pringatan jgn pernah tergantung pada satu sumber pengadaan bakalan super repot.
negara2 asia tenggara pun uda mulai gerah,indo negara nonblok, smua teman, jgn usik urusan dlm negri org haha!
moga2 makin mandiri kita, pelan tp pasti, ayo indonesia kita BISA!
kesian malaysia tak shoping apapon
BalasHapusIndon juga AKAN BELI VT-4
BalasHapus