China Urges Expresses Deep Concern Over Cambodia–Thailand Conflict

China Urges Expresses Deep Concern Over Cambodia–Thailand Conflict

Beijing, 18 December 2025 — China has issued a strong and urgent call for an immediate ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, warning that continued armed confrontation serves no party’s interests and risks undermining regional stability and ASEAN unity.

Speaking during separate telephone conversations with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn, and Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is deeply saddened by the civilian casualties caused by the ongoing conflict and firmly opposes the use of military force between the two neighbouring countries.

“As a friend and close neighbour of both Cambodia and Thailand, China least wants to see the two sides resort to armed confrontation,” Wang Yi stated. He underscored that the intensity of the current round of clashes far exceeds previous incidents and cautioned that allowing the situation to escalate further would bring losses to both sides while weakening ASEAN cohesion.

Wang Yi stressed that the top and most urgent priority is for both parties to make a prompt decision to cease fire, halt further losses, and rebuild mutual trust through dialogue and restraint.

Reaffirming China’s long-standing and principled position, Wang Yi emphasized that Beijing has consistently encouraged peaceful negotiations and maintained fairness and impartiality in addressing the Cambodia–Thailand border issue. China, he said, fully supports ASEAN’s mediation efforts and views regional mechanisms as essential to restoring stability.

In a concrete demonstration of its commitment to de-escalation, China has dispatched a Special Envoy for Asian Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Cambodia and Thailand to conduct shuttle diplomacy. Wang Yi noted that China will continue to play a constructive bridging role, facilitating communication and promoting conditions conducive to the restoration of peace.

China’s message reflects growing international concern over the escalating conflict and reinforces calls for an immediate ceasefire, renewed dialogue, and adherence to peaceful means in resolving disputes, in line with regional stability and international norms.