Beijing Reaffirms Constructive Role in Resolving Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions

H.E. Deng Xijun, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (Left) and H.E. Prak Sokhhon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Cambodia (Right)

Phnom Penh, 19 December 2025 — His Excellency Deng Xijun, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, is in Phnom Penh to engage in high-level discussions aimed at de-escalating and ending the ongoing armed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

During his visit, H.E. Deng Xijun paid a courtesy call on Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and held extensive meetings with senior Cambodian leaders, including H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn; H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Seyha; and General Mao Sophan, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.

In all meetings, both sides underscored the urgent necessity of an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed that peaceful dialogue remains the only viable and sustainable path toward resolving differences between Cambodia and Thailand.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet emphasized the importance of fully respecting and implementing agreed bilateral frameworks and established mechanisms, describing them as essential tools for addressing differences and achieving a fair, lasting, and sustainable solution in accordance with international law. He reaffirmed that Cambodia has fully and firmly adhered to the ceasefire since its entry into force and has consistently upheld the principles of non-use of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister expressed Cambodia’s sincere gratitude to China, particularly to H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, for his leadership and personal efforts in supporting the restoration of peace between the two countries and in safeguarding regional peace and stability. He also welcomed China’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the conflict.

For his part, H.E. Deng Xijun reaffirmed China’s readiness to continue playing a constructive and bridging role in facilitating dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand. He stressed that China, as a close friend and neighbor to both countries, stands ready to support all efforts aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire, rebuilding mutual trust, and promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Both sides expressed hope that sustained diplomatic engagement and restraint would enable the peoples of Cambodia and Thailand to return to peaceful coexistence, stability, good neighborliness, and shared prosperity.