China assumes mediation role in Thailand-Cambodia conflict

China’s ambassador to the United Nations has called for a de-escalation of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, confirming that Beijing is playing a “mediation role” following the sudden border clash that occurred on Thursday.

In an interview with Chinese state television CCTV in New York on Thursday, Fu Cong said, “China is playing a mediation role to facilitate communication between the two sides and hopes the situation will stabilize as soon as possible.”

In the interview, Fu also called on the two countries to exercise “restraint” and “stabilize the situation.”

“Cambodia and Thailand are not only good neighbors of China but also friendly neighbors to each other and important members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),” he said.

“ASEAN has a long tradition of resolving differences peacefully, and we hope that peace will prevail in this case as well,” he emphasized.

The Thai and Cambodian armies clashed on their shared border on Thursday, leading to a major escalation involving artillery fire and rockets. In 24 hours, the conflict claimed the lives of more than 20 people, most of whom are believed to be civilians.

Thailand and Cambodia have long-standing border disputes over contested areas near ancient temples. The sudden clash is thought to be related to a mine explosion on Wednesday in a disputed area that injured five Thai soldiers.

Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new mines in the disputed border region, but Cambodia denied the accusation, stating the mine could have been a remnant from the civil war that ended in 1975.

Liu Zongyi, a senior researcher at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said the conflict would remain limited because China and ASEAN prioritize regional stability.

Earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia at the ASEAN-China summit in Kuala Lumpur, as Beijing took steps to de-escalate its neighbors’ border dispute.

During his meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Wang expressed Beijing’s hope that both sides would act with “mutual goodwill” and “properly resolve the issue through friendly dialogue and consultation.”

According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang added that China aims to “play a constructive role” in resolving the conflict.

In a separate meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, who is also Cambodia’s foreign minister, Wang emphasized that China would maintain a “neutral, fair, and equitable stance” while addressing the “needs of the relevant parties.”

“The issue will be resolved through diplomacy… Since Thailand and Cambodia are both ASEAN members, China and ASEAN will play a very active role in mediating this issue,” he said.

China’s mediation is advantageous

According to Liu, Beijing has advantages in taking on the mediation role because the country is close to both Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a daily press briefing that Beijing would “promote peace talks in its own way,” urging the two countries to “properly resolve their differences.”

“We are deeply concerned about the current developments and hope that both sides will resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation,” he said. “China maintains a fair and impartial position and will continue to promote peace talks in its own way,” he added.

As the conflict escalated, the Chinese embassies in Thailand and Cambodia issued warnings to their citizens to avoid approaching the border.

According to the Thai Ministry of Defence, clashes have occurred in at least six areas along the border since Thursday. The Cambodian army announced that the fighting continued on Friday.

Various media outlets reported that Thailand conducted airstrikes with US-made F-16 fighter jets.

Although Thailand is an ally of the US, it has increasingly purchased weapons from China in recent years for its defense.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Thailand is the third-largest buyer of Chinese weapons after Pakistan and Serbia, with Chinese arms accounting for approximately 44% of its significant military imports in recent years.

Cambodia is not only a major buyer of Chinese weapons, but the two countries also have strong defense ties. Various military exercises, such as the Golden Dragon drills, have been conducted between the two countries since 2018, and it was also reported that Phnom Penh granted China access to the Ream naval base.