China Says Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Is Being Gradually Implemented After Intense Border Clashes
Beijing emphasises dialogue and confidence-building as both sides work to consolidate a fragile truce and rebuild trust after weeks of fighting
China has stated that the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, agreed late in December after weeks of fierce border clashes, is being implemented gradually as part of broader efforts to restore peace and stability between the neighbouring states.
The truce, which took effect under a joint statement signed by defence officials, halted hostilities that had resulted in more than a hundred deaths and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
Chinese officials have welcomed the ceasefire and highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures to ensure its durability and to address underlying tensions that fuelled the conflict.
Beijing hosted a series of talks involving senior diplomats from Thailand, Cambodia and China in Yunnan province, where all parties reiterated their commitment to consolidating the ceasefire and gradually rebuilding mutual trust.
China’s foreign ministry characterised the ceasefire agreement as evidence that consultation and negotiation can effectively resolve complex border disputes, and expressed readiness to continue providing platforms for detailed communication between the two sides.
The trilateral discussions also emphasised practical steps to reinforce peace, including reducing confrontational postures along the border, enhancing political trust, and coordinating humanitarian efforts such as demining operations and the protection of civilians.
Thai officials reiterated Bangkok’s preference for a peaceful, step-by-step approach to restoring bilateral relations and improving cross-border cooperation, while Cambodian representatives welcomed China’s role in facilitating the talks.
Both nations achieved an early ceasefire benchmark with Thailand’s release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been detained during the conflict, a symbolic gesture seen as important for confidence-building.
Observers note that while the ceasefire remains delicate, these incremental steps — supported by China’s mediation — provide a framework for gradually consolidating peace and working towards a more comprehensive normalisation of relations after the recent hostilities along their shared frontier.
The truce, which took effect under a joint statement signed by defence officials, halted hostilities that had resulted in more than a hundred deaths and forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
Chinese officials have welcomed the ceasefire and highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue and confidence-building measures to ensure its durability and to address underlying tensions that fuelled the conflict.
Beijing hosted a series of talks involving senior diplomats from Thailand, Cambodia and China in Yunnan province, where all parties reiterated their commitment to consolidating the ceasefire and gradually rebuilding mutual trust.
China’s foreign ministry characterised the ceasefire agreement as evidence that consultation and negotiation can effectively resolve complex border disputes, and expressed readiness to continue providing platforms for detailed communication between the two sides.
The trilateral discussions also emphasised practical steps to reinforce peace, including reducing confrontational postures along the border, enhancing political trust, and coordinating humanitarian efforts such as demining operations and the protection of civilians.
Thai officials reiterated Bangkok’s preference for a peaceful, step-by-step approach to restoring bilateral relations and improving cross-border cooperation, while Cambodian representatives welcomed China’s role in facilitating the talks.
Both nations achieved an early ceasefire benchmark with Thailand’s release of 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been detained during the conflict, a symbolic gesture seen as important for confidence-building.
Observers note that while the ceasefire remains delicate, these incremental steps — supported by China’s mediation — provide a framework for gradually consolidating peace and working towards a more comprehensive normalisation of relations after the recent hostilities along their shared frontier.
