China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate phone calls on Wednesday with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, amid escalating border tensions that have resulted in casualties and pushed bilateral relations between the two neighbours to their lowest point in history.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn briefed Wang on the latest developments along the Thailand–Cambodia border.
“Both sides 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.
He noted that the severity of the latest confrontation exceeded that of previous incidents and warned that continued fighting would benefit neither side and could undermine ASEAN unity.
“The most urgent task now is to make a prompt decision to cease fire, reduce damage in a timely manner and restore mutual trust,” Wang said.
He reiterated that China has consistently advocated peaceful dialogue and maintained a fair and impartial stance on the Thailand-Cambodia border issue, while supporting ASEAN’s mediation efforts.
Wang added that China’s Special Envoy for Asian Affairs has been dispatched to both countries to conduct shuttle diplomacy.
China, he said, will continue to act as a bridge and play a constructive role in facilitating the restoration of peace between Thailand and Cambodia.
He also called on both countries to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese projects and personnel, and to remain vigilant against the spread of false information aimed at damaging China’s friendly relations with both nations.
Both Sihasak and Prak Sokhonn expressed appreciation for China’s neutral and unbiased stance, as well as its active mediation role.
They welcomed the visit of the Chinese special envoy and voiced hope that China would play an even greater role in easing tensions and helping to restore peace.
