The foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia began two days of discussions in China on Sunday as Beijing moves to bolster its role in easing tensions between the two neighbors following the signing of a new ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire aims to end weeks of clashes along the disputed border that have left more than 100 people dead and forced over 500,000 residents in both countries to flee their homes.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and his Cambodian counterpart, Prak Sokhonn, traveled to China’s southwestern Yunnan province for talks facilitated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. China, alongside the United States and Malaysia, has been seeking to mediate the conflict.
US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation, claiming the fighting would soon come to an end. Writing on social media from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump said both sides would return to peace and praised the leaders involved, while repeating earlier claims that US efforts helped broker the ceasefire, which has faced challenges in holding.
According to Thailand’s foreign ministry, the discussions in China are intended to secure the ceasefire’s durability and advance long-term peace. Wang Yi is scheduled to take part in separate bilateral meetings with each delegation as well as a joint trilateral session on Monday.
China welcomed the ceasefire, noting that it stabilizes front lines and enables displaced civilians to return home. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing is prepared to continue offering a platform for deeper and more detailed dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia.
The agreement includes a 72-hour monitoring period, after which Thailand will return 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during clashes earlier in July — a key demand from Phnom Penh.
Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire to stop border clashes
Following talks with Wang, Prak Sokhonn expressed strong appreciation for China’s significant role in helping sustain the ceasefire. Beijing also pledged 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance to Cambodia, with the first shipment of food, tents and blankets arriving on Sunday.
Sihasak said he hoped the talks would encourage China to support a lasting ceasefire and discourage any renewed hostilities, stressing that Thailand views China as a constructive partner in ensuring long-term stability.
Source: AP