China Brokers Peace Efforts Between Thailand and Cambodia Amid Border Tensions

China Facilitates Dialogue to De-escalate Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi led trilateral discussions in Yuxi, Yunnan province, from December 28 to 29, 2025, involving his Thai and Cambodian counterparts, Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Prak Sokhonn, respectively. The high-level meetings were convened to solidify a recently established ceasefire and foster peace-building efforts between Thailand and Cambodia, following a significant escalation of their long-standing border dispute.

Recent Escalation and Historical Roots of the Dispute

The mediation efforts come in the wake of a fresh ceasefire agreement signed on Saturday, December 27, 2025, which sought to halt weeks of intense fighting. This conflict resulted in over 100 fatalities and displaced hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the border. The latest flare-up began on May 28, 2025, with a skirmish near the Temple of Preah Vihear, and intensified in July 2025, spreading across at least 12 border locations.

The territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is deeply rooted in historical claims, particularly concerning ancient temples such as Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. The undefined border areas, largely stemming from the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907, have been a persistent source of tension.

China's Role in Mediation and Humanitarian Aid

China has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Prior to the trilateral meeting, China's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs, Deng Xijun, undertook shuttle diplomacy between Phnom Penh and Bangkok. During the Yuxi talks, Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored the critical need for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, the restoration of normal interactions, and the rebuilding of mutual trust between the two Southeast Asian nations.

In addition to diplomatic facilitation, China pledged significant humanitarian assistance to aid displaced populations along the Cambodia-Thailand border. This aid includes essential supplies such as

• tents
• blankets
• food

. The first shipment of these emergency supplies arrived in Phnom Penh on Sunday, December 28, 2025. China also expressed its readiness to provide support for ceasefire monitoring and de-mining operations in the affected regions.

Path Forward: Consensus for Lasting Peace

The trilateral meeting concluded with a three-point consensus aimed at securing a durable peace. These points emphasize the importance of:

• Looking ahead and moving forward together
• Ensuring steady and incremental progress in implementing the ceasefire and restoring bilateral relations
• Rebuilding mutual trust

. Both the Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers conveyed their appreciation for China's constructive role in mediating the conflict and providing a platform for dialogue.