China has called for peaceful dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand to ease rising tensions over a deadly border dispute. During a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa and emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Wang expressed China's willingness to take an "objective and fair" stance, offering to play a constructive role in promoting harmony between Cambodia and Thailand. Tensions have escalated since late May when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief armed clash in a contested area along the 820-kilometer shared border.
In response, Cambodia has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene in resolving the dispute. China reaffirmed its neutral position during Wang’s separate meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, also held Thursday.
China also voiced concerns over regional security and the protection of its citizens. Wang urged intensified efforts to eliminate cross-border crimes such as online gambling, fraud, counterfeiting, and smuggling, calling them a “tumor” that must be eradicated.
On broader regional challenges, Wang addressed the impact of escalating U.S. tariffs, stating that China believes Southeast Asian nations can navigate the "complex situation" and protect both collective and national interests.
China’s diplomatic engagement comes amid rising geopolitical uncertainty in the region, and its efforts to mediate could boost its image as a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia. The dispute between Cambodia and Thailand underscores the importance of regional cooperation and diplomatic resolution in maintaining peace along contested borders.