The Thai military confirmed that the Chinese-made VT-4 tank was used in its first combat operation, with F-16 fighter jets providing fire support, launching an attack on Cambodian positions. On July 27, 2025, local time, the Thai military confirmed that the Chinese-made VT-4 tanks were officially deployed. On the morning of the 27th, the tanks began their first assault on the Cambodian Army's positions. This marked the first time the Chinese-made VT-4 tanks participated in a tank battle. Tank combat: Previously, the Nigerian Army used VT-4 tanks to conduct sweeps and raids against armed militants who only carried AK rifles and RPG rocket launchers.

Translation screenshot of the Thai Army confirming the Chinese-made VT-4 tanks participating in combat

Original Thai text screenshot from the Thai Army announcement

From the structure, the 6th Infantry Division of the Thai Army has replaced one cavalry battalion with Chinese-made VT-4 tanks. This time, the Thai Army is using the Chinese-made VT-4 tanks against the strong firepower of the Cambodian Army, including artillery, drones, 40mm rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, and anti-tank mines, which will test the combat capability of the Chinese-made VT-4 tanks. Currently, the Thai Army has deployed M-48, M-60 tanks, Chinese-made VT-4 tanks, and Ukrainian-made T-84堡垒 tanks on the battlefield. It is reported that the Thai Army's American-made "Stingray" light tanks are also about to join the battle.

The Thai Army has purchased more than 50 Chinese-made VT-4 tanks

The Chinese-made VT-4 tanks on the Cambodian battlefield mainly face small anti-tank mines and 40mm rocket launchers, which the VT-4 tanks can withstand. Tanks are just consumables; no foreign tank export is without damage. The US F-22 stealth fighters and B-2 stealth bombers have also crashed, but that doesn't prove they are junk. The American-made M1A1 tanks were destroyed in large numbers in Ukraine, with 25-28 of them being destroyed by the Russians. America only provided 31 M1A1 tanks to the Ukrainian army, and as long as the damage is within control, it's normal for weapons to perform. Actually, the biggest insult to weapons is when they are fired but not put into action. The weapon equipment sold is the other party's weapon, and they can use it however they want. Once it's said that domestic equipment has gone into battle and suffered losses, it's similar to the situation with the US locking up F-35 and F-16 aircraft.

The VT-4 tank is the most advanced tank in Southeast Asia

On July 26, 2025, local time, the Cambodian Army publicly released footage of moving the 59D/T-55 tanks. With the Thai Army mobilizing M-48, M-60, T-84 Bastion, and VT-4 tanks, a confrontation involving Chinese, American, and Ukrainian tanks may take place on the Southeast Asian peninsula. Looking at the current situation, with the full mobilization of the Thai Army, especially the heavy armored units under the cover of F-16 fighter jets conducting bombing attacks on the Cambodian Army's positions, the Cambodian Army may not be able to win against the Thai Army.

The Thai Army mobilizing the VT-4 tanks means that after losing the M-60 tanks, the Thai Army is determined to turn the tide with the VT-4 tanks.

The Thai Army is not lacking, but its air force is even stronger. The Thai Navy has also deployed eight warships to block the Cambodian coastline. Even if Cambodia uses the Chinese-made 90B and AR-2 long-range rockets to bomb Thailand, it still cannot win. Thailand has good weapons and equipment, and more importantly, it has complete air superiority. In recent years, the Thai land, sea, and air forces have cooperated a lot with us. From this perspective, the Cambodian Army will not last long. The cost of rocket artillery ammunition is not something any country can afford to play around with.

Cambodian Army mobilizes 59D and T-55 tanks

It is estimated that we will soon see a confrontation between the Thai Army's VT-4 tanks and the Cambodian Army's 59D tanks

Originally, the ASEAN region, which was the most stable in the new round of international changes, ended up causing such a commotion. For China, Thailand and Cambodia are both important partners. Last year, they built a canal and a base. From a geopolitical strategy and people's relations perspective, China can intervene and mediate. Southeast Asia must not get out of control.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7531647656695824911/

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