China’s Foreign Ministry special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, will visit Thailand tomorrow as part of shuttle diplomacy aimed at easing border tensions, said an informed diplomatic source.
The special envoy is currently in Phnom Penh to discuss the situation with the Cambodian leaders including Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The source said the special envoy will meet senior Thai officials including Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Eksiri Pintaruchi.
It added that China is closely monitoring the situation and has been urging the two countries to de-escalate and encourage dialogue.
The source reiterated that said Deng’s visit is intended to support efforts to bring the two sides together and restore stability as soon as possible.
Deng’s visit came after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate phone calls on Wednesday with Thai FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodia’s FM Prak Sukhonn amid escalating border tensions that have resulted in casualties and pushed bilateral relations between the two neighbours to their lowest point in history.
Both Sihasak and Prak Sukhonn expressed their willingness to de-escalate tensions and implement a ceasefire,” according to a statement posted on the Facebook page of Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wang said China, as a close neighbour and friend of both countries, was deeply saddened by the deaths and injuries suffered by civilians in the clashes.
Khmer Times reported today that during Deng’s visit to Phnom Penh, he met Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on December 19.
Both sides stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and agreed that peaceful dialogue is the only way to resolve differences.
Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire, international law and existing bilateral mechanisms, and thanked China and President Xi Jinping for their role in promoting peace.
Deng Xijun said China would continue to facilitate dialogue, support a ceasefire, help rebuild trust between the two countries, and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
