Thai, Cambodia top envoys solidify ceasefire in China
A day after signing a new ceasefire, top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia began two days of talks in China, where Beijing is trying to strengthen its mediating role in the two countries’ border dispute.
The ceasefire agreement calls for an end to weeks of fighting along disputed borders that have killed more than 100 people and displaced more than half a million in both countries.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met in China’s southwestern Yunnan province on Sunday for talks mediated by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
China has sought to position itself as a mediator in the crisis alongside the United States and Malaysia.
US President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade concessions if Thailand and Cambodia did not agree to a ceasefire in July, claimed on Sunday that the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia would “momentarily cease” and boasted that the US had “become the REAL United Nations”.
In a post on his social media site from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he is spending winter vacation, Trump wrote that both sides will “go back to living in PEACE” and referenced his past comments about helping broker a ceasefire that largely did not materialize.
“I want to congratulate both great leaders for their intelligence in coming to this quick and very fair conclusion. It was FAST AND DECISIVE, as all these situations should be!” Trump wrote.
Negotiations in China aim to achieve a permanent ceasefire and promote lasting peace between the countries, according to a statement from Sihasak’s office.
Wang was scheduled to attend bilateral meetings and trilateral meetings with both diplomats on Monday.
China welcomed the ceasefire announcement, which froze the front lines and allowed displaced civilians to return to their homes near the border.
“China is ready to continue providing the platform and creating conditions for Cambodia and Thailand to have more comprehensive and detailed communication,” the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The statement was included.
The ceasefire agreement includes a 72-hour observation period, after which Thailand agreed to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers it has held prisoner since the clashes in July. Their release was a major demand of the Cambodian side.
In a statement after his meeting with Wang, Prak Sokhonn expressed deep appreciation for China’s “vital role” in supporting the ceasefire.
China also announced it would provide 20 million yuan (A$4.2 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to Cambodia to help the displaced.
Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin wrote on Facebook that the first batch of Chinese aid consisting of food, tents and blankets arrived in Cambodia on Sunday.
Sihasak said on Sunday he hoped the meetings would send a message to China that it should both support a sustainable ceasefire and send a signal to Cambodia against any attempt to revive the conflict or create new conflicts.
“Thailand sees China not only as a mediator in our conflict with Cambodia, but wants China to also play a constructive role in ensuring a sustainable ceasefire by sending such signals to Cambodia.” he said.
