This Thursday, December 18, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate phone calls with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The talks came amid a recent spike in border clashes that has shaken communities on both sides of the Cambodia-Thailand frontier.
Both Cambodia and Thailand briefed Wang on the latest developments and expressed willingness to de-escalate tensions and implement a ceasefire. The recent clashes far exceeded previous incidents, leaving families in border villages fearful and sparking broader concerns about ASEAN unity.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China, as a friend and close neighbor, least wants to see armed confrontation and is deeply saddened by the civilian casualties. He stressed that the top priority is a prompt ceasefire to stem losses and rebuild mutual trust.
This week, the Thai military reported 21 soldiers and 21 civilians dead, while Cambodia's Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said as of Wednesday evening, 18 Cambodian civilians were killed and 78 injured.
China supports ASEAN’s mediation efforts and has dispatched a special envoy for Asian affairs to conduct shuttle diplomacy in Phnom Penh and Bangkok. Prak Sokhonn and Sihasak welcomed China’s objective stance and the envoy’s mission, hoping that China will play an even more important role in de-escalating the situation and restoring peace.
As tensions cool, regional watchers say this diplomatic push could be a turning point for renewing dialogue and strengthening cooperation across Southeast Asia.
Reference(s):
Chinese FM holds calls with Cambodian, Thai foreign ministers
cgtn.com
