Phnom Penh Updates Diplomats on ASEAN-Backed Ceasefire and Regional Peace Efforts
Phnom Penh Updates Diplomats on ASEAN-Backed Ceasefire and Regional Peace Efforts
Phnom Penh, 2 January 2026 — On the afternoon of 2 January 2026, His Excellency CHANN Rotana, Under Secretary of State and Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, convened a comprehensive briefing for 25 representatives from 22 diplomatic missions and international organizations based in Phnom Penh to provide updates on the evolving Cambodia–Thailand border situation.
The briefing focused on three key developments of critical importance. First, His Excellency highlighted the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), signed on 27 December 2025, which established a ceasefire framework and confidence-building measures aimed at restoring peace and stability along the border.
Second, the Acting Spokesperson outlined the key outcomes of the Trilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers and senior military officials of Cambodia, Thailand, and China, held on 29 December 2025 in Yunnan Province, China. He underscored the constructive role played by China in facilitating dialogue, consolidating the ceasefire, and advancing practical steps toward de-escalation, humanitarian assistance, and the normalization of bilateral relations.
Third, His Excellency briefed participants on the release and safe return of 18 Cambodian soldiers on 31 December 2025, in accordance with the relevant agreements reached under the GBC framework, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Declaration, and the trilateral consensus achieved in Yunnan, with the process observed by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
During the briefing, His Excellency also provided updated information on civilian casualties, including fatalities, injuries, and the number of displaced persons, as well as extensive damage resulting from indiscriminate attacks by Thai armed forces on Cambodian territory and civilian areas, constituting serious violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty.
On this occasion, His Excellency expressed Cambodia’s sincere appreciation to the international community for the humanitarian assistance extended to Cambodia, with particular gratitude to the People’s Republic of China, for its timely and substantial support provided both bilaterally and through international organizations and non-governmental partners.
The Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful resolution through diplomacy, adherence to international law, and continued engagement with regional and international partners to safeguard peace, stability, and the well-being of civilian populations.
