The People’s Republic of China on Friday called on Cambodia and Thailand to deepen dialogue and restore mutual trust following recent border clashes, emphasizing the importance of stability for the two neighbors and the wider region.
Speaking during a tea gathering on Thursday with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both countries are capable of resolving disputes and jointly tackling broader global challenges. Such efforts, he added, would be welcomed by their citizens and the region at large.
The clashes, which erupted last month, followed a string of incidents, including the May killing of a Cambodian soldier and a July landmine explosion that killed five Thai soldiers. The five-day conflict displaced thousands and left at least 35 dead. The dispute is rooted in a nearly century-long disagreement over the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, which the International Court of Justice confirmed as Cambodian territory in 1962 and again in 2013.
On August 7, during an extraordinary border committee meeting, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire, including a monitoring mechanism and follow-up arrangements.
The ceasefire has also drawn international attention. On July 31, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed the agreement but urged both nations to ensure redress for victims, protect civilians, and counter inflammatory rhetoric in line with international human rights law. He stressed that each government bears responsibility for the safety of the other’s nationals within its borders.
Wang said the Anning talks offered a chance to resolve, not deepen old grievances. He voiced support for fully implementing the August 7 commitments, consolidating the ceasefire, and resuming exchanges and cooperation. China, he added, is ready to assist with reopening border crossings, demining operations, and other steps to ease tensions, while backing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ role in mediation.
Both Sokhonn and Maris expressed gratitude to China for facilitating dialogue and praised its constructive role in easing tensions. They reaffirmed their commitment to peace, the ceasefire agreement, and using dialogue to address disputes.
