Post by : Meena Ariff

China has stepped up its diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia by hosting a high-level trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, reinforcing Beijing’s growing ambition to act as a regional peace broker. The meeting took place on Monday in Yunnan province, a strategically chosen location close to Southeast Asia and the disputed Cambodia–Thailand border, signaling China’s intention to remain closely involved in developments on the ground rather than managing talks from afar.

The talks followed closely on the heels of a renewed ceasefire agreement signed by Cambodia and Thailand just two days earlier. That agreement aimed to halt weeks of fierce border clashes that resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people and forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of civilians from villages on both sides of the frontier. The fighting marked one of the most serious escalations in years, raising alarm across the region about the risk of a prolonged conflict.

During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on both countries to exercise restraint and work jointly to safeguard peace, stability, and development. He emphasized that a return to violence would be against the wishes of the people of both nations and detrimental to regional prosperity. Wang portrayed China as a close friend to both sides, urging them to focus on dialogue and long-term cooperation rather than renewed confrontation.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn voiced optimism that the latest ceasefire would hold, saying it could create a constructive atmosphere for improving bilateral relations. He stressed the importance of returning to previously agreed mechanisms for resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that calm would prevail and that relations with neighboring countries could gradually normalize.

Thailand later issued a statement confirming that China had volunteered to serve as a neutral platform to support peace efforts between the two nations. Bangkok said it would consider releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers who have been held since earlier fighting, once the 72-hour ceasefire observation period is completed. Thailand also requested Cambodia’s assistance in facilitating the safe return of Thai civilians displaced from border areas during the violence.

Although Cambodia and Thailand had reached earlier ceasefire agreements in July and later in October, tensions persisted through sharp rhetoric, propaganda exchanges, and sporadic cross-border incidents. These unresolved frictions eventually escalated into heavy fighting in early December. The most recent agreement also commits both sides to respecting international conventions that prohibit the use of land mines, a long-standing concern in the border region where past conflicts have left deadly remnants.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed Cambodian forces stationed along the border, acknowledging that while the country remains capable of defending itself, extending the conflict would bring little benefit. His remarks underscored a broader recognition that prolonged fighting would only deepen humanitarian suffering and strain regional relations.

China’s active involvement in the talks highlights its expanding influence as a major regional power and reflects its broader strategy to position itself as a key mediator in Asian security issues. By facilitating dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand, Beijing aims not only to promote stability in Southeast Asia but also to strengthen its role in shaping diplomatic outcomes through mediation, dialogue, and strategic engagement.

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