China welcomes Thailand-Cambodia truce ahead of trilateral talks

CHINA on Sunday (Dec 28) congratulated Cambodia on reaching a ceasefire with Thailand after weeks of deadly border fighting, as officials from the three countries prepared to open a two-day meeting in southwestern China.

Thailand and Cambodia on Saturday ended weeks of fierce border clashes that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million by agreeing their second ceasefire in recent months.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a meeting with his Cambodian counterpart, called the ceasefire “an important step towards restoring peace” and said it was “in line with the shared expectations of countries in the region”.

Cambodia’s top diplomat, Prak Sokhonn, and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, are both expected to meet Wang in the Chinese province of Yunnan on Sunday and Monday to discuss the border situation.

Cambodia and Thailand should “promote a complete and lasting ceasefire, resume normal exchanges and rebuild mutual trust”, Wang said, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The two countries’ diplomats and military officials should use the meeting in Yunnan as an opportunity to “communicate in a flexible manner and enhance understanding”, Wang added.

Ceasefire is strategic, not a retreat

Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit on Sunday said that Thailand’s acceptance of a “conditional ceasefire” is meant to verify whether Cambodia can genuinely halt armed activity and threats on the ground.

The joint ceasefire declaration on Saturday is the neighbours’ second peace deal this year. The earlier accord – mediated by US President Donald Trump and which helped end five days of clashes in July – broke down earlier this month when several Thai soldiers were injured in landmine blasts.

The remarks also highlight how rising nationalist sentiment on both sides of the border has played a role in the recent conflict. Both Thai and Cambodian governments and their armed forces stand to benefit from tough stances against the other. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament this month for a February election, betting that the conflict with Cambodia will bolster support for his conservative party.

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Thailand and Cambodia sign ceasefire agreement to halt fierce border conflict

Under Saturday’s agreement, the two nations committed to freezing troop positions, refraining from reinforcements or movements, and avoiding attacks or provocations. Thai officials said they will closely monitor the 72-hour period following the signing of the accord, which began at noon Saturday. 

Nattaphon reiterated Thailand retains its right to self-defence should violations occur. Any use of force would be governed by necessity and proportionality, he said, adding the ceasefire rests not on “trust” but on verification.

This year’s bouts of fighting rank among the deadliest clashes between the two countries. They stem from decades-long disputes over colonial-era maps and treaties that define the rugged border and have periodically erupted into skirmishes.

The Royal Thai Air Force said Sunday reports of foreign cargo aircraft flying into the Cambodian capital from Belarus and elsewhere shouldn’t cause alarm, and it tracks such movements comprehensively with measures in place for any action that affects Thailand. BLOOMBERG, REUTERS