Cambodia
is set to buy a small fleet of Chinese helicopters that will cost the
country nearly $200 million, senior officials say.

The Z-9 series helicopters will
be used for disaster management and “to fight terrorism,” Finance
Minister Keat Chhon told reporters Tuesday. He did not say how many
helicopters are planned.

The deal comes as part of 29
different agreements signed between Cambodia and China during the visit
of Zhou Yongkang, a member of China’s communist standing committee.

Soeung Sam Nang, the commander
of the Cambodian air force, confirmed the deal, but declined to
elaborate. Cambodian pilots and crew will require training and technical
assistance for the new aircraft, he said.