In a critical diplomatic intervention, foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Kuala Lumpur on Monday to address the escalating military conflict along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The emergency session focused on rebuilding mutual trust between the two member states and establishing a sustainable ceasefire mechanism.
This marks the second time in 2025 that ASEAN has served as a mediation platform for the neighboring nations, following a joint declaration signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit last October. The current border hostilities, reignited on December 7, have resulted in significant civilian casualties and mass displacement on both sides.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that any ceasefire must be demonstrated through concrete actions rather than formal announcements alone. He confirmed that Thai and Cambodian defense officials would meet Wednesday under the Joint Boundary Commission framework, while acknowledging China’s role as an important regional partner.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount dramatically. Cambodian authorities report approximately 510,000 displaced civilians and 19 civilian fatalities, while Thai officials cite 38 civilian deaths and over 167,000 people relocated to safer shelters. Both nations have exchanged accusations of instigating hostilities and targeting civilian populations.
China has actively supported ASEAN’s mediation efforts, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressing Beijing’s appreciation for Malaysia’s leadership as current ASEAN chair. “As a friend and close neighbor to both countries, China sincerely hopes that Cambodia and Thailand will, based on safeguarding peace and stability along their borders and the fundamental interests of their peoples, quickly achieve a ceasefire and restore peace,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing.
Beijing has deployed Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Deng Xijun to the region, with promises to disclose further details about diplomatic efforts in due course. China committed to continuing its active promotion of peace talks and constructive role in de-escalation.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, presiding over the talks, emphasized that regional stability remains a collective responsibility. “Our goal goes beyond de-escalating the tensions,” he stated in opening remarks, noting that ASEAN must intensify trust-building measures despite prevailing differences.
Academic experts remain cautiously optimistic about the mediation efforts. University of Malaya associate professor Khoo Ying Hooi noted that Malaysia’s consensus-based approach as ASEAN chair, while methodical and cautious, may struggle to achieve dramatic breakthroughs given the conflict’s complex historical, nationalistic, and military sensitivities.