China reaffirms commitment to ongoing efforts for peace between Thailand and Cambodia
In recent developments, talks between Thailand and Cambodia regarding their border dispute have been held in various locations, including Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur. Vice-minister for foreign affairs Sun Weidong hosted the Shanghai talks, while Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted the Kuala Lumpur talks, where Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to a ceasefire at midnight on Monday.
However, as of early August 2025, there is no publicly reported direct involvement or mediation role by China in facilitating peace or resolution between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the recent border clashes. The conflict, which escalated sharply on July 24, has primarily involved military engagements and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China's intention to play a "constructive role" in a meeting on Friday with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Additionally, Chinese representatives attended the talks in Kuala Lumpur, and China supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in advancing a political settlement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that China is working to "create conditions for the early restoration of peace and stability" along the Thai-Cambodian border.
Despite these statements, no new information has been provided about any specific actions China has taken to facilitate peace or mediate the conflict. The talks were described by Beijing as an "informal consultation" due to the "fragile situation" on the ground.
The border clashes erupted over a longstanding territorial dispute near the Ta Muen Thom temple complex and quickly escalated into a larger conflict involving artillery, rocket systems, and airstrikes. Both sides blame each other for initiating the violence, and the fighting has resulted in civilian casualties and mass evacuations.
Cambodia has accused Bangkok of "distorting the facts on the ground and dangerously threatening the fragile trust and dialogue essential for lasting peace". Thailand, too, has accused Cambodian forces of a "flagrant" violation of the ceasefire. On Wednesday morning, the Thai Foreign Ministry reported troops in Si Sa Ket province were attacked by small arms fire and grenade assaults launched by Cambodian forces less than 24 hours after the ceasefire agreement.
Despite the ongoing conflict, both Thailand and Cambodia committed to abiding by the ceasefire during the talks. However, no new information was provided about either party reaffirming their commitment to upholding the ceasefire. Cambodia has rejected claims that it initiated the violence as "misleading and fabricated".
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, monitoring official statements from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or ASEAN's initiatives would be advisable, but no such developments are noted in the current reports.
In the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, there seems to be a political umbrella for discussions, as evidenced by the Kuala Lumpur talks that involved Chinese representatives. However, as of early August 2025, no concrete actions or mediation role by China have been publicly reported in resolving the border clashes.
