China Denies Supplying Weapons to Cambodia Amid Thailand Conflict

China has refuted allegations that it has been supplying arms to Cambodia during the ongoing hostilities with Thailand, which have already resulted in at least 33 deaths and left hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes. Chinese officials have stated that there has been no new military assistance provided to the Cambodian Armed Forces in the wake of this border conflict, which has now reached its third day.

Senior Colonel Sheng Wei, who holds a position in the Asia division of China’s Office of International Military Cooperation, clarified that the military hardware currently in Cambodia is the outcome of historical partnerships rather than new provisions. He urged the public not to trust misinformation from malicious sources and confirmed that since the outbreak of tensions, China has not transferred any military equipment intended for use against Thailand.

The conflict initiated on Thursday, revealing intense exchanges of air strikes along a contested border between the two nations. On the first day alone, over a dozen fatalities were reported, prompting large-scale evacuations from the border areas. Thailand reported ongoing clashes in various regions along the border, including around the Ta Muen Thom temple—a site claimed by both countries.

The Thai military accused Cambodia of employing heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, prompting a retaliatory response. Thai UN Ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid labeled Cambodia's military actions as aggressive and a significant breach of international law, condemning indiscriminate attacks on civilians and public infrastructure.

Cambodia countered by accusing Thailand of conducting air strikes on its territory and using cluster munitions, which they claim violated international law. Both nations insist their actions are acts of self-defense, with Cambodia expressing a desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

A delegation of Chinese officials in Beijing met with Thai representatives to bolster transparency regarding the circumstances, reiterating that the weaponry currently in Cambodia's possession stems from earlier military collaborations rather than recent supplies. They stressed the importance of stability and trust in the region amidst rising tensions.