Military representatives from Cambodia and Thailand met in Chanthaburi province on Wednesday ahead of formal ceasefire talks at the 3rd special GBC meeting scheduled for 27th December.
At the heart of the dispute lies a long-standing territorial disagreement linked to historic and religious sites, an issue that has periodically strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.
In this context, the recent General Border Committee meeting has raised questions about its significance and the prospects for de-escalation.
Speaking to AnewZ, international China strategist Andrew Leung shared his assessment of the situation, the regional implications, and the role of ASEAN and China in pushing for stability. The questions were put to him by AnewZ’s Bakhtiyar Hasanov.
Explaining the deeper roots of the conflict, Andrew Leung emphasised that the dispute is driven by history, sovereignty, and strong public sentiment on both sides.
“Well, you've got to understand what drives these two countries apart. It is the historic temple, holy side, which is the bond of contention between these two countries, similar to what Jerusalem is in the Middle East." he said.
Both countries, Thailand and Cambodia hold very strong views of their sovereignty over these secret sites. And, there are people are 100% behind their governments.” he added.
Leung noted that once clashes erupted, both governments hardened their positions, leading to wider consequences beyond the immediate border areas.
He stressed that the impact is not limited to bilateral relations, but extends to economic stability and regional security citing that “When clashes broke out and both countries were doubling down and this is hurting their mutual economies as well as the stability of the whole region.”
He highlighted that this is precisely why neighbouring countries are concerned, pointing out that both Thailand and Cambodia are members of ASEAN.
According to Leung, the wider ASEAN community has little tolerance for prolonged conflict among its members.
He said, "The whole ASEAN neighborhood does not want this kind of conflict. It wants peace and stability in the region so that all countries can go together and can grow their economies and grow development, national development.”
Leung further explained that ASEAN states are actively encouraging dialogue, alongside China, which also has strategic interests at stake.
He mentioned China particularly because its belt and road initiative which passes through these two countries with Beijing relying on a stable environment again to fulfill its own trajectory.
Andrew Leung underlined that the Thailand–Cambodia border dispute is rooted in deeply held historical and sovereignty claims, making it difficult to resolve.
However, he stressed that regional pressure from ASEAN members and strategic considerations from China are pushing both sides towards negotiations.
He opined that stability and economic development remain shared priorities across Southeast Asia, and sustained diplomatic engagement will be crucial in preventing further escalation and safeguarding regional peace.
The third Turkish-owned vessel has departed the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on Monday....
A gunfight with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district left at least one attacker dead and two others in...
Iran said on Monday it wanted a lasting end to the war with the U.S. and Israel, and pushed back against p...
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a ...
Trade between Georgia and Azerbaijan is on the rise, but business leaders say the current figures fall short of what the two neighbours could achie...
The third Turkish-owned vessel has departed the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on Monday.
Iran said on Monday it wanted a lasting end to the war with the U.S. and Israel, and pushed back against pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. President Donald Trump warned the country could be "taken out" if it did not meet his Tuesday night deadline to reach a deal.
The UN Security Council has failed to back a Bahraini resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after China and Russia used their vetoes on Tuesday (7 April). The draft resolution called for coordinated "defensive measures" to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait.
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a greener future.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
A new proposal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran could come into effect as soon as Monday, potentially reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's "whole civilisation" on Tuesday in a post on social media. Meanwhile, the UN failed to reach an agreemement on a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after China and Russia used their vetoes.
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears deepened over potential supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unsettling global energy markets and the row over the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a greener future.
U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance began a visit to Budapest on Tuesday by praising Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces a closely contested parliamentary election on Sunday.
A gunfight with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district left at least one attacker dead and two others injured, according to Turkish authorities, prompting a major police response on Tuesday (7 April).
A train driver has died and several passengers have been injured after a high-speed train collided with an army lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in northern France on Tuesday morning (7 April), the local prefecture and railway operators said in separate statements.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the accelerated development of a “new energy system” to safeguard national energy security, as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to trigger severe global energy shocks.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment