China has formally welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Thailand and Cambodia after weeks of deadly border clashes, describing it as a crucial step towards restoring stability in the region.
The truce, signed on 27 December, followed intense fighting that left more than 100 people dead and forced over half a million civilians to flee their homes.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Cambodian and Thai counterparts, Prak Sokhonn and Sihasak Phuangketkeow, in Yunnan province on 28 to 29 December for trilateral discussions aimed at consolidating the fragile peace.
Senior military officials from all three countries also attended the meeting, which was held at Fuxian Lake.
Wang Yi praised the ceasefire as “an important step towards restoring peace” and emphasised that it reflected the “shared expectations of countries in the region”.
He urged both sides to “promote a complete and lasting ceasefire, resume normal exchanges and rebuild mutual trust,” stressing that dialogue and consultation were the most effective means of resolving disputes.
The ceasefire agreement, signed under the framework of the Special General Border Committee, prohibits the use of all weapons and attacks on civilians or infrastructure. It also includes provisions for cooperation on demining and humanitarian assistance.
Thailand has pledged to return 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during the clashes, a move seen as a confidence-building measureThe Phnom Penh Post.
Despite the truce, tensions remain high. The Thai army accused Cambodia of violating the agreement by flying more than 250 drones into Thai territory on 28 December, calling the act provocative and inconsistent with the ceasefire terms.
Cambodian officials responded by promising to investigate the incident and resolve it diplomatically.
China’s role as mediator highlights its growing influence in Southeast Asia’s security affairs. Wang Yi noted that Beijing had engaged in multiple phone calls, envoy visits, and consultations since the conflict began, underscoring China’s commitment to regional peace. He also offered humanitarian aid to Cambodia to assist displaced families.
Observers say the trilateral talks in Yunnan could mark a turning point if both sides commit to long-term reconciliation.
Analysts caution, however, that repeated violations of ceasefire agreements in recent months show how fragile the peace remains.
The outcome of the Yunnan meeting will be closely watched across the region, as stability along the Thai-Cambodian border is critical not only for bilateral relations but also for broader ASEAN security.
Sources: Phnom Penh Post, AsiaOne, The Straits Times, Al Jazeera
