By Thai Newsroom and Amarin TV
CHINA’S Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi held phone calls with his counterparts in Thailand and Cambodia in an effort to end the intense fighting along the border with both sides informing him of the latest developments and expressed their desire to de-escalate the tension and achieve a ceasefire.
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok said in a Facebook post that Wang Yi told Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn that China as a close friend and neighbour of both countries least wants to see clashes between the two sides and deeply regrets the deaths and injuries of people in both countries.
“The severity of this battle is far greater than previous ones, and if it continues, it will be detrimental to both sides and undermine Asean unity. The urgent task now is to make a ceasefire decision as soon as possible, minimise damage in a timely manner, and restore mutual trust,” he said.
Wang Yi added that China adheres to the principle of promoting dialogue and fairness in the Thai-Cambodian border clashes and supports Asean’s mediation efforts. A Special Envoy for Asian Affairs from the Chinese Foreign Ministry has travelled to Thailand and Cambodia to coordinate between the two sides with China to serve as a bridge and play a constructive role in restoring peace between two countries.
China would also like both countries to take effective measures in ensuring the safety of Chinese projects and personnel, and to monitor those who spread false rumours aimed at undermining friendly relations between China and the two countries, he added.
Both Sihasak and Prak highly appreciated China’s neutral and unbiased stance, as well as its role in mediation, with both countries welcoming the special envoy’s visit and hoped that the Chinese side will play an even more important role in resolving tensions and restoring peace, he mentioned.
Meanwhile fighting reignited at the Trat border at 5 a.m. this morning (Dec. 19) with Khmer forces mounting an attack to recapture three houses that the Thai side had seized.
Capt. Thammanoon Wanna, commander of the Trat Marine Corps Task Force, said Thai soldiers stationed at the three houses detected a large influx of Khmer troops attempting to retake the area with the Thai side responding with artillery fire forcing their retreat.
Furthermore, sources said that seven Cambodian soldiers were killed in clashes to retake these three houses two days ago but this could not be confirmed as no dead bodies were found after Thai troops moved in.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Thai and Cambodian flags. Photo – Amarin TV
Insert – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivers his speech at the opening ceremony of the Lanting Forum in Beijing, China, on Oct. 27, 2025. File photo: Reuters/Maxim Shemetov and published by CNA
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