China has begun hosting talks with delegations from Cambodia and Thailand in an effort to consolidate the recently agreed ceasefire and rebuild political trust between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.
On Sunday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate meetings with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, and Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, in Yuxi, Yunnan province. Representatives from the militaries of all three countries were also in attendance.
Beijing has been stepping up its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Last week, the Foreign Ministry’s Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, Deng Xijun, visited both countries as part of six days of shuttle diplomacy aimed at encouraging dialogue.
The meetings follow the signing of a joint statement on Saturday in which Phnom Penh and Bangkok agreed to an immediate ceasefire. China’s decision to host the discussions marks its latest attempt to cement its role as a regional mediator and promote lasting peace after the deadly border clashes.
During discussions with Sokhonn, Wang said China had been closely monitoring the situation and remained committed to facilitating negotiations. He stressed that the ceasefire should be viewed as the starting point for broader peacebuilding efforts.
He urged both sides to adopt a phased and measured approach to establishing a comprehensive and durable ceasefire, restoring normal interactions, rebuilding trust, and ultimately improving bilateral relations in the interest of regional stability.
“I look forward to us jointly sending a message of peace from Yunnan, reaching a consensus on peace and presenting a bright prospect for peace,” Wang said.
Wang also noted China’s support for ASEAN’s involvement and expressed willingness to assist the ASEAN observer mission in monitoring the ceasefire. He added that China would provide humanitarian assistance to Cambodia to support those displaced from border areas.
According to China Media Group, the first shipment of Chinese emergency humanitarian aid — including tents, blankets and food — arrived in Phnom Penh on Sunday. Wang also encouraged Cambodia to continue safeguarding Chinese nationals and Chinese‑linked projects within the country.
Sokhonn praised China’s role in mediating the conflict, saying the ceasefire agreement was achieved through the combined efforts of China and other parties. He expressed hope that peace would be restored soon and that the trilateral meetings would help lay the foundation for long‑term stability.
In Wang’s meeting with Sihasak, he emphasised that China, as a close neighbour, did not wish to see conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and strongly hoped the two countries would move towards reconciliation. He stressed that China’s mediation efforts were not imposed, but designed to provide a platform for constructive dialogue.
Wang added that if both nations continued to communicate on equal footing and move forward together, “there is no obstacle they cannot overcome”. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the peace process.
Sihasak said Thailand highly valued China’s role in mediation and reiterated his country’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and pursuing genuine peace.
