In a significant diplomatic intervention, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued an urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand amid intensifying border hostilities that have resulted in substantial civilian casualties. The high-level diplomatic engagement occurred during separate telephone consultations with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Thursday.
The border conflict, which reignited on December 7 despite a joint peace declaration signed just two months prior, has claimed the lives of 18 Cambodian civilians according to Xinhua News Agency reports. The timing of this resurgence underscores the fragility of previous diplomatic achievements in the restive border region.
Minister Wang articulated China’s position as both a friend and close neighbor to both nations, emphasizing Beijing’s profound concern over the escalating violence. “China is most reluctant to see the two nations engage in conflict, and is deeply saddened by the civilian casualties resulting from the clashes,” Wang stated during the exchanges. He characterized the current confrontation as more intense than previous episodes and warned that continued hostilities would damage regional stability and undermine ASEAN unity.
Concurrent with these diplomatic conversations, China’s Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Deng Xijun embarked on a shuttle diplomacy mission to both capitals, building upon his previous mediation efforts in September. This demonstration of China’s proactive diplomatic approach aims to bridge differences and facilitate dialogue between the conflicting parties.
Wang emphasized China’s commitment to impartiality in the dispute, stating Beijing’s support for both bilateral resolution efforts and ASEAN’s mediation role. Notably, he also expressed concerns about potential misinformation campaigns that might jeopardize China’s relations with either nation and called for enhanced protection of Chinese projects and personnel in both countries.
Both Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers acknowledged China’s balanced stance and welcomed Beijing’s diplomatic involvement. In a positive development, the nations have agreed to deploy an ASEAN observer team as part of confidence-building measures, signaling potential openness to third-party mediation in the protracted border dispute.