The United States and China praised the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Sunday after agreeing to a second ceasefire to end months of border clashes that have left dozens dead.
A day-old ceasefire appears to be holding as China, which has played a key mediator role, hosted talks with the warring countries in the southwestern province of Yunnan.
What did Trump say?
US President Donald Trump said he was glad the conflict had reached a “swift and very fair conclusion”, adding on his Truth Social platform that Washington was “proud to help.”
Ahead of his meeting Sunday with President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach a peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Republican added, “Maybe the United States has become the de facto United Nations.”
Trump often portrays himself as a leader willing to take charge and resolve conflicts where the United Nations falls short, while critics argue that he is undermining international institutions.
The US, along with China and Malaysia, has been involved in mediation efforts to end the Thai–Cambodian conflict.
China hopes both sides can ‘rebuild mutual trust’
As China prepared to host a two-day meeting with the warring sides on Sunday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the ceasefire as “an important step towards restoring peace”, adding that it was “in line with the shared expectations of countries in the region.”
Wang told his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhon that “both sides should move step by step to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire” and “rebuild mutual trust.”
The Chinese diplomat said Beijing is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Cambodia to help displaced people in border areas.
The first batch of Chinese aid, including food, tents and blankets, arrived in Cambodia on Sunday, China’s Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin wrote on Facebook.
Thai-Cambodian diplomats praise China’s input
Sokhon expressed deep appreciation for China’s “important role” in supporting the ceasefire, while his Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkaew called for China to play more than a mediator role.
“Thailand… wants China to play a constructive role in ensuring a permanent ceasefire by sending signals to Cambodia that [against reviving the conflict],” He said.
Chinese, Thai and Cambodian forces were to attend talks in the south-western Chinese province of Yunnan.
The three armed forces are scheduled to discuss ways to strengthen the ceasefire, resume exchanges and build political trust between the two neighbours.
How did the Thai-Cambodian conflict break out?
There is a long-standing border dispute between the two countries over ancient temple sites, which has flared up in the last few years.
The latest clashes began in May with the killing of a Cambodian soldier. The conflict escalated in July, before Malaysia implemented its first ceasefire with the support of the Trump administration.
The ceasefire hero until earlier this month, when what Bangkok described as “freshly laid” landmines detonated, injuring several Thai soldiers.
Heavy clashes broke out on 8 December with Thai air strikes, artillery, rockets and ground action at several border points.
Both sides claimed self-defense and blamed the other for initiating the violation.
First hours important to maintain ceasefire
Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in this year’s violence before the two sides agreed to a second ceasefire on Saturday.
Announcing the agreement, both countries promised to cease hostilities, freeze troop movements and allow civilians living in border areas to return home.
The Thai Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire would be observed for a period of 72 hours to ensure its implementation.
At the end of this period, Thailand has confirmed that it will repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held as prisoners since July, meeting a key demand from the Cambodian side.
Edited by: Sam Dusan Inayatullah