The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has dismissed claims that China has provided Cambodia with any military equipment for use against Thailand, saying that the equipment in the possession of Cambodia comes from existing cooperation programmes.
“China has no vested interest in the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia,” the statement added, noting Beijing’s continued support for ASEAN’s efforts to seek a political settlement through the “ASEAN Way”.
China claims, in embassy’s Facebook statement, that it has not provided Cambodia with any military equipment specifically for use against Thailand in the current border dispute.
It also says that China is willing to maintain close communication with regional countries, including Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia, and to play a constructive role in a sustainable ceasefire and restoring peace and stability along the border.
It asks all parties concerned to focus on promoting peace, regional stability and the well-being of the people by taking positive and constructive actions to de-escalate the situation, rather than maliciously spreading false information or rumours to stir up trouble.
The embassy said it was responding to reports that Cambodia has used rockets manufactured in China during the border conflict with Thailand, which has fuelled speculation that Chinese weapons are changing the dynamics of conflict between neighbouring countries and implying a certain stance by China.
The embassy’s statement claims that, since the outbreak of border tensions, China, as a “friendly neighbour” to both Thailand and Cambodia, has been working through its own channels to de-escalate the situation.
Yesterday, Thailand’s Minster of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow quoted Minister of Defence Gen Nattaphon Nakpanich as saying that he had learned about China’s shipment of weapons to Cambodia earlier this year.
The shipment was old news, which occurred before Thailand and Cambodia became engaged in the border conflict, Nattaphon said.
Sihasak says he will seek more information from the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok.
