China offers support for Cambodia-Thailand talks amid border clashes
Since last Thursday, Beijing’s special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, has been visiting both countries to engage in shuttle diplomacy over the conflict. In Cambodia, he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Defense Minister Tea Seiha, and Royal Army Commander Mao Sophan. In Thailand, he held talks with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Defense Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Ukrit Boontanon, and Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Eksiri Pintaruchi.
Deng expressed China’s deep concern over the clashes, saying it is “deeply saddened by the casualties and displacement caused by the conflict.” He stressed that “the most urgent priority is to achieve a ceasefire and resume dialogue to resolve the border dispute through peaceful ways” and offered to “create conditions and provide a platform for dialogue and negotiations between the two sides.”
The envoy also urged Cambodia and Thailand to “meet halfway, strive to restore mutual trust, and rebuild peace along the border.” Both countries reportedly reiterated their commitment to peace, their desire for a sustainable ceasefire, and their willingness to maintain communication with China to reduce tensions.
South Korea similarly called on the two nations to resolve the dispute through dialogue, praising ASEAN’s efforts to mediate. Casualty figures differ between the countries: Thai authorities reported 21 soldiers and one civilian killed, with 33 additional civilian deaths, while Cambodia’s Interior Ministry confirmed 21 civilian deaths and 83 injuries.
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