China calls on Thailand and Cambodia to cease fire and resume dialogue as soon as possible.
On December 23, China's special envoy for Asian affairs held meetings with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, urging both sides to prioritize a ceasefire and resolve disagreements through dialogue, amid ongoing fighting in the border region.
According to Reuters, the situation at the land border between Thailand and Cambodia remains complex. In recent weeks, military activity has increased again after the previous temporary ceasefire agreement expired.
In light of this situation, the international community, particularly ASEAN, is working to urge all parties to exercise restraint. China has also sent a special envoy to the region to conduct shuttle diplomacy.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on December 23 that its special envoy had met with the Prime Minister and senior officials of both countries. During these meetings, the Chinese side emphasized: "The urgent priority now is for both sides to reach a ceasefire agreement, resume dialogue as soon as possible, and resolve border disputes peacefully." Beijing also expressed support for ASEAN's central role and mediation efforts.
A positive sign was noted when Thailand and Cambodia agreed to hold a meeting of defense officials on December 24th. The meeting aimed to discuss measures to restore the ceasefire and reduce tensions on the ground. This move was welcomed by ASEAN member states.
As a partner of both countries, China affirms its desire to contribute to regional stability through constructive dialogue channels. International media outlets note that de-escalating tensions between these two Southeast Asian neighbors is not only important for both countries but also contributes to the overall stability of the ASEAN community.
