Chinese Arms Shipments Bolstered Cambodia Ahead of Brief Border War with Thailand

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the Asia

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Image Source: Hector Retamal/Agence France-Presse/ Getty Images

Chinese military planes delivered weapons to Cambodia in late June, weeks before a five-day border clash erupted with Thailand, according to Thai intelligence documents reviewed by The New York Times.

The Y-20 transport aircraft, nicknamed “Chubby Girls” for their wide bodies and heavy-lift capacity, made six flights to Sihanoukville, carrying rockets, artillery shells, and mortars packed into 42 containers. The shipments were stored at Ream Naval Base before being moved north to Cambodia’s disputed border with Thailand, near the Preah Vihear temple.

Cambodia and Thailand blamed each other for initiating the conflict in late July, which killed at least 40 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Analysts said Cambodia’s arms buildup gave it a more assertive posture along the boundary than previously seen. Independent monitors confirmed that many of the rockets used by Cambodia were of Chinese origin, striking civilian areas in four Thai provinces.

Thailand’s Armed Forces confirmed the authenticity of the intelligence documents, while Cambodia acknowledged the shipments but described reports as misleading. Lt. Gen. Rath Dararoth, Cambodia’s secretary of state for defense, said the deliveries coincided with the conclusion of annual joint military exercises with China, although the exercise had ended weeks before the June shipments. China’s Defense Ministry did not comment.

Analysts noted that Cambodia’s rapid resupply likely extended its operational capacity during the border skirmish, even as Thailand quickly retaliated with F-16 airstrikes and superior firepower. The Thai intelligence reports detailed shipments of nearly 700 rounds for Soviet-era BM-21 rocket launchers, Type 90B and PHL-03 multiple launch rocket systems, and artillery for self-propelled and anti-aircraft systems.

The conflict centers on a centuries-old temple claimed by both nations. Cambodia had constructed a military base and roads near the temple, which analysts say reflects a deliberate militarization strategy. While China publicly denies supplying weapons for combat, the shipments highlight Beijing’s strategic influence in the region and complicate its role as a supposed neutral mediator.

White House Warns of Federal Layoffs as Government Shutdown Stretches Into Fifth Day

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: REUTERS/Anna Rose Layden

The Trump administration signaled Sunday that mass layoffs of federal workers could begin if negotiations with congressional Democrats to end a partial government shutdown continue to stall.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNN’s State of the Union that while officials still hope for a deal, preparations are underway should talks collapse. “President Trump and Russ Vought are lining things up and getting ready to act if they have to, but hoping that they don’t,” Hassett said, referring to the budget director.

Later, President Donald Trump suggested layoffs had already begun, telling reporters: “It’s taking place right now.” The Office of Management and Budget, central to Trump’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce, declined immediate comment.

The shutdown, now in its fifth day, began October 1 after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term measure to keep agencies funded through November 21. Democrats are demanding a permanent extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies and assurances against unilateral White House spending cuts.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday that progress can only come through direct talks with Trump. “They’ve refused to talk with us,” Schumer said on CBS’s Face the Nation.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune countered that Democrats must first agree to reopen the government before policy discussions can continue. “It’s open up the government or else,” he told Fox News.

Both chambers are scheduled to vote Monday on competing stopgap funding bills, though neither is expected to secure the 60 Senate votes needed. Republicans hold a 53–47 majority but have seen only three Democrats break ranks so far, leaving at least five more needed to advance the House bill.

Meanwhile, informal bipartisan talks are ongoing, but lawmakers acknowledged little progress has been made toward a resolution.

Social Security Payments to Continue Despite Looming Federal Government Shutdown

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Nathan Howard, REUTERS

With Congress facing a midnight deadline on Sept. 30, a partial federal government shutdown could begin as early as Oct. 1. While the political standoff threatens to disrupt many federal services, Social Security beneficiaries can expect their payments to continue without interruption.

The White House and Congress remain at odds over budget priorities, with health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act emerging as a key sticking point. If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement, funding for many federal agencies will lapse, forcing hundreds of thousands of nonessential federal workers into furlough. Essential services such as law enforcement and the military would continue, though personnel would be required to work without pay until funding resumes.

Unlike discretionary programs, Social Security benefits are considered mandatory spending, meaning they are not tied to the annual budget process. According to the Social Security Administration, payments for retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will proceed on their normal schedule, regardless of a shutdown.

However, delays may affect those applying for new benefits or awaiting approvals. Processes that require staff review such as disability assessments, appeals, or recalculations could face significant backlogs if the shutdown drags on.

In Michigan, where state lawmakers are simultaneously racing to finalize a budget to avoid their own government shutdown, residents relying on federal Social Security programs are assured of continued payments. Still, the broader uncertainty has raised concerns for those seeking new assistance.

For October 2025, payments will be made based on recipients’ birth dates: those born from the 1st to 10th will receive payments on Oct. 8; the 11th to 20th on Oct. 15; and the 21st to 31st on Oct. 22.

While Social Security checks remain safe, the broader consequences of a shutdown could ripple through the economy, further straining federal workers and the services Americans depend on.