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How Chinese weapons transformed the war between Thailand and Cambodia
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Thai rangers patrol along the Thai-Cambodian border at Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo province, on Sept 19.
PHOTO: EPA
Sui-Lee Wee
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BANGKOK – The Chinese military planes touched down in Cambodia over three days in June, weeks before a simmering border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand exploded into war.
The aircraft were Y-20s, known as Chubby Girls in China for their wide body and ability to carry heavy cargo. They made six flights to the south-western city of Sihanoukville, bringing rockets, artillery shells and mortars, according to Thai intelligence documents reviewed by The New York Times, a shipment that has not been previously reported.
