Thailand-Cambodia Conflict: China Offers Assistance

China has urged Cambodia and Thailand to resolve their border conflict through friendly dialogue and has offered its assistance.

China Calls for Dialogue Between Neighbors

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for peaceful coexistence between the two neighboring countries during a meeting on July 10 with his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

“China is willing to take an objective and fair position and play a constructive role in promoting harmonious coexistence between Thailand and Cambodia,” said Mr. Wang.

A border conflict that is escalating

Tensions have been rising between these two neighboring Southeast Asian countries since the end of May, after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a brief exchange of gunfire in a disputed area along their 820-km border.

See: Tensions on the Thailand-Cambodia border: a soldier killed

Last month, Cambodia asked the International Court of Justice to settle the dispute.

An “impartial” position, according to Beijing

Mr. Wang reaffirmed China's impartiality on the border issue during a meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on the same day, the ministry said in a separate statement.

Beijing wants to eradicate cross-border crime

He emphasized security measures to protect Chinese and Cambodians, calling for tougher measures to "completely eradicate the cancer" of cross-border crimes such as online gambling, cyber fraud, counterfeiting, and smuggling.

See: Fraudulent call centers: Thailand accuses Cambodian elite

Southeast Asia faces trade tensions

Referring to the tariffs imposed by the United States, he added that China believed that Southeast Asia was able to cope with the "complex situation" and preserve common interests, as well as those of each nation.

See: Battle with Washington: Thailand lowers its duties, but resists

See also:

Thailand-Cambodia Tensions: France Enters the Scene

Thailand - Cambodia conflict: Hun Sen makes shocking revelations

The tourism crisis worsens in Thailand: Middle East – Cambodia

Thailand closes its border with Cambodia

Thailand and ASEAN face Cambodia's criminal tentacles

Source: Thai PBS World