Chinese foreign minister hosts Cambodian and Thai counterparts following border ceasefire

Chinese foreign minister hosts Cambodian and Thai counterparts following border ceasefire
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a press conference on the sidelines of the Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF), at the media centre in Beijing, China October 18, 2023.
Reuters

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Yunnan province on Sunday, following a ceasefire that ended nearly three weeks of clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

During his meeting with Sokhonn, Wang stressed China’s commitment to supporting the humanitarian needs of displaced people in Cambodia’s border regions and facilitating ongoing peace talks. He urged Cambodia and Thailand to adopt a phased approach to consolidate the ceasefire, rebuild mutual trust, restore normal interactions, and maintain regional stability. Wang also reaffirmed China’s backing for ASEAN’s observation mission in monitoring the truce.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Sokhonn welcomed China’s role, describing it as “active and constructive” and essential for the full implementation of the ceasefire, according to state news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse.

In a separate meeting with Thailand’s Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Wang highlighted that China “least wants to see Thailand and Cambodia at war and most hopes to see the two countries reconcile,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. The Thai delegation acknowledged China’s support for peace and indicated plans to consider the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners of war, while seeking Cambodia’s assistance in facilitating the return of Thai personnel along the border.

The ceasefire, signed on Saturday, ended almost 20 days of clashes that killed dozens and displaced nearly one million civilians. Thai authorities reported 26 soldiers and one civilian killed, along with 41 civilian injuries due to collateral damage, while Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reported 31 civilian deaths. The renewed truce follows an earlier ceasefire in July, which collapsed in December despite initial mediation by the US, China, and Malaysia, and formalisation in Kuala Lumpur in October.

On Sunday, the first shipment of Chinese humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets, and food, arrived in Phnom Penh, according to the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia and Global Times. Separately, the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia provided aid to 541 displaced families, according to a statement posted on X.

The Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers are on a two-day visit to Beijing to reinforce dialogue and consolidate the ceasefire.

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