BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
Foreign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand met with China’s top diplomat on Monday as Beijing intensified its efforts to position itself as a key mediator in a long-running and violent border dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The talks, held in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, marked a significant diplomatic push following a renewed ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier to halt weeks of deadly fighting.
The trilateral meeting came two days after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to another ceasefire aimed at ending clashes that have killed more than 100 people and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes on both sides of the border. The conflict, which has flared repeatedly despite earlier agreements, has strained relations between the two countries and raised concerns across the region.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the discussions were constructive, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum toward lasting peace. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said that while not all issues had been resolved, the priority now was to ensure the ceasefire holds and to continue rebuilding trust between the two governments.
The decision to hold the meeting in Yunnan, rather than in Beijing, was notable. The province lies much closer to Southeast Asia and to the disputed border areas, underscoring China’s intention to engage more directly with regional conflicts affecting its immediate neighborhood.
The talks reflected China’s broader strategy to expand its role as an international mediator, particularly in Asia. As Beijing’s economic and political influence has grown, it has increasingly sought to present itself as a stabilizing force in regional and global affairs, offering diplomatic engagement alongside its expanding footprint.
During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on both sides to focus on peace, stability and development, urging them not to allow the conflict to reignite. He said renewed fighting would go against the wishes of the people in both countries and stressed that China, as a close partner to both, hoped to see lasting calm along the border.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed confidence that the latest ceasefire would endure, saying it provided an opportunity for both countries to return to previously agreed mechanisms for resolving their differences. He said neither side wanted a return to renewed hostilities and emphasized the need for the ceasefire to be permanent and fully respected.
After the talks, Chinese state media reported that the three countries had reached a shared understanding to uphold the ceasefire, maintain dialogue and gradually restore bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand. Statements released by the three sides said discussions had focused on concrete steps to preserve the ceasefire and move toward resuming normal exchanges. China also said it was prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians displaced by the fighting.
The meeting also addressed broader security concerns, with all sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation against transnational crimes such as telecommunications fraud and online scams, which have become a growing regional problem.
Sihasak and Prak Sokhonn had also held separate bilateral meetings with Wang Yi on Sunday, the first day of the two-day diplomatic engagement, further highlighting China’s active involvement in the process.
Despite the latest progress, deep-rooted disputes remain. Thailand and Cambodia first reached a ceasefire in July after earlier clashes, an agreement brokered by Malaysia and reinforced by international pressure. That deal was followed by a more detailed arrangement in October, but tensions persisted, fueled by sharp rhetoric and sporadic cross-border incidents. The situation deteriorated again in early December, leading to the most recent outbreak of heavy fighting.
Under the latest agreement, Thailand is expected to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during earlier clashes once the ceasefire has held for 72 hours without incident. Their return has been a central demand for Cambodia. The deal also calls on both sides to respect international commitments banning the use of land mines, an issue of particular concern for Thai authorities.
Sihasak said Thailand was prepared to begin the repatriation process if calm could be maintained, adding that Bangkok would also seek Cambodia’s assistance in facilitating the return of Thai nationals still in the Cambodian border city of Poipet.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a message to troops stationed along the border, urging restraint. He acknowledged that while Cambodia was capable of continuing to fight, prolonged conflict would bring no benefit to a smaller nation, signaling support for diplomatic solutions over further military escalation.
As China continues to host and facilitate talks, regional observers are watching closely to see whether this latest ceasefire can hold and whether Beijing’s growing role as a mediator can help bring lasting stability to one of Southeast Asia’s most volatile border disputes.
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