Scholars from China, Cambodia and Thailand on Tuesday discussed steps to implement a peace process between Phnom Penh and Bangkok under the Fuxian consensus during a conference in Beijing. 

The China–Cambodia–Thailand Track II dialogue conference, convened by China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, sought to strengthen exchanges among think tanks in the three countries and to generate policy-oriented insights to help carry forward the Fuxian consensus and support the normalization of Cambodia-Thailand relations.

Zhai Kun, a scholar from Peking University, noted after attending the conference that since the outbreak of conflict between Cambodia and Thailand in July 2025, China has upheld a security model with Asian characteristics and carried out sustained and substantive coordination to promote a resolution between the two sides.

From communication and exchanges between high-level officials and special envoys to facilitating dialogue platforms, China's mediation has played a constructive role in promoting de-escalation.

The ceasefire consensus reached between Cambodia and Thailand is now being gradually implemented, and 18 detained Cambodian soldiers have returned home safe as peace returns to the region.

In late December last year, Cambodia and Thailand reached the Fuxian consensus at a trilateral meeting with China, pausing the prolonged conflicts between the two southeast Asian countries.

After the trilateral meeting, the three sides issued a press release, which made it clear from five aspects that Cambodia and Thailand will further enhance communication, deepen understanding and gradually consolidate the ceasefire, restore mutual exchanges, rebuild political mutual trust, achieve a turnaround in relations and maintain regional peace.

Zhai observed a shift from the deep-seated confrontational sentiments prevalent among academics from both sides earlier in the conflict.

During the conference, Cambodian and Thai scholars adopted a more measured, professional approach, focusing on practical measures to implement the agreements reached during the Fuxian meeting.

The China–Cambodia–Thailand Track II dialogue conference demonstrates Chinese scholars can create valuable space for easing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, building mutual trust and exploring possible solutions, thereby contributing to the practical implementation of the "Asian security model."

(With input from agencies)