ASEAN diplomats meet to resolve Thailand-Cambodia border clashes
The meeting aims to revive a ceasefire brokered in July by Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, alongside US President Donald Trump. This will mark the first diplomatic engagement between the two nations since fighting reignited on Dec. 8, with both sides blaming each other for renewed hostilities.
The territorial dispute traces back more than a century to the borders established following the French occupation of Cambodia. Recent clashes have involved heavy artillery exchanges along the 800-kilometer border, with Thailand also carrying out airstrikes targeting Cambodian positions.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who oversaw the initial ceasefire, expressed cautious optimism ahead of Monday’s talks. “Our duty is to present the facts, but more importantly, to press upon them that it is imperative for them to secure peace,” he said.
Cambodia indicated that the discussions will focus on restoring “peace, stability and good neighbourly relations” and stressed that the dispute should be resolved through peaceful means.
Thailand emphasized the need for Cambodia to first declare a ceasefire and called for a “genuine and sustained” halt to hostilities.
Both the United States and China have engaged in efforts to support a renewed ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that an agreement could be reached by Monday or Tuesday following talks with his Thai counterpart. Meanwhile, China’s special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, visited Phnom Penh last week, reiterating Beijing’s commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue between the two countries.
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