Chinese, Cambodian and Thai FMs hold talks on border conflict

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts to discuss the border conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, reiterating China's readiness to provide support to ease tensions.

The informal tea talks took place on Thursday in Anning City, Yunnan Province, southwest China, on the sidelines of the 10th Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation. The meeting was attended by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, as well as the foreign ministers of Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

Wang said that neither Cambodia nor Thailand wishes for the border conflict to continue, that both sides are willing to resume dialogue and improve relations, and that the meeting in Anning provides a timely opportunity for this. Wang noted that the name "Anning" signifies peace, harmony, and goodwill, which are values that also define the relationship between neighboring countries, and said he hopes Cambodia and Thailand will jointly send out a "voice of peace" from here.

Wang emphasized that China supports Cambodia and Thailand in engaging in dialogue, clearing misunderstandings, rebuilding mutual trust, and restoring normal exchanges and cooperation. China supports the two sides in fully implementing the consensus of the Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Boundary Committee to consolidate the current ceasefire, and encourages the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to play its proper role in addressing issues in accordance with the "ASEAN way." He also stressed the importance of responding to the expectations of the peoples of both countries and reopening border crossings as soon as possible.

Wang added that China is willing to provide support and assistance, such as mine clearance, in border areas in line with the wishes of both sides.

"As an old Chinese saying goes, 'Brothers may quarrel within the walls, but they unite against external threats,'" said Wang, noting that he believes both sides can manage specific disputes responsibly and work together to address global challenges.

Both Prak Sokhonn and Maris Sangiampongsa thanked China for facilitating the dialogue and praised its constructive role in easing tensions. They reaffirmed the importance of peace and good-neighborly relations and pledged to actively implement the ceasefire agreement and fully utilize dialogue mechanisms to manage and resolve disputes peacefully.

The three foreign ministers agreed to continue practicing flexibility in their communication.