China offers to mediate in Thai-Cambodian conflict

VISITING Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that his country is ready to mediate in the Thai-Cambodian conflict with Khmers no longer wanting to fight with Thailand, PPTVHD36 said this afternoon (April 24).

The Chinese minister, who had visited Cambodia before coming to Thailand, said the Khmer stance towards Thais is “no violence, confrontation or conflict.”

Anutin in turn reaffirmed Thailand’s desire to avoid conflict with its neighbours but emphasised that all actions must be carried out through due process and mutual trust.

Regarding Cambodia not wishing to fight, Anutin said it is inappropriate to speculate, and it is in the country’s best interest to ensure its safety, sovereignty and territorial integrity are not compromised.

However, talks did not touch on reopening Thai-Cambodian border crossings.

Regarding the Cambodian military’s seemingly contradictory actions in de-escalating tensions, Anutin said Thailand must remain patient and refrain from retaliating, “As long as there is no infringement on Thailand’s sovereignty.”

When asked whether China understood the situation between Thailand and Cambodia, Anutin confirmed that the Chinese understood it very well, as there had been in-depth discussions on the root cause of the problem and solutions.

Among other issues discussed, Thailand requested China’s assistance in negotiating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the management of energy transportation, including crude oil and gas. Thailand asked to remain involved in the negotiations, as some shipping routes from the Middle East go through Thai waters.

The Chinese Foreign Minister assured Thailand that there was no need to worry, as Thailand and China are like brothers.

Anutin asked China to supply sufficient fertilisers to meet Thailand’s agricultural needs with the country also negotiating with Russia for additional purchases. If both China and Russia could allocate quotas, it would significantly mitigate the impact.

Discussions also touched on cooperation in combating online fraud, with China commending Thailand for its serious measures, which have led to the extradition of offenders to China for prosecution.

On investment, Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said China has continuously invested in Thailand, particularly in modern industries such as automotive, technology, sensors, robotics, and AI, and views Thailand as a regional investment hub.

Meanwhile, talks were also held on the Land Bridge project, which Thailand will seriously consider as a new option for maritime transport, amidst the trend of some countries possibly imposing tolls on key routes.

The Land Bridge project is designed to connect two seas – the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand – between Ranong and Chumporn to accommodate seagoing mercantile ships whilst a six-lane motorway and dual-track railways are designed to link the southern coastal provinces with the western and central regions of the country.

CAPTION:

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Government House today, April 24, 2024. Photos on this page – Amarin TV, Front Page – Naewna