China Offers Impartial Support To Resolve Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute

By Chiang Hee Tze

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- China has expressed its readiness to help ease tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border by playing a constructive role and maintaining a stance of impartiality and objectivity.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the support would be based on respect for both countries’ interests and aimed at helping resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation.

In a statement published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website, Wang reaffirmed that Thailand and Cambodia are longstanding friends and close neighbours of China.

Wang expressed hope that both countries would engage one another in a spirit of goodwill and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and constructive consultation.

While acknowledging that Thailand and Cambodia may hold differing views, he said both sides have demonstrated a shared commitment to managing the situation and easing tensions.

“Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours. I believe both sides have the ability to resolve the issue amicably in the spirit of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness.

“China is willing to uphold an objective and impartial position and play a constructive role in promoting peaceful coexistence between Thailand and Cambodia,” he said.

Wang conveyed the message during separate meetings with his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa, and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea on Thursday.

The meetings were held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur.

Wang reiterated that China upholds a neutral, fair and impartial stance, and is prepared to play a constructive role in addressing the concerns of both parties, emphasising respect for both countries’ wishes and the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue and consultation.

Meanwhile, Maris expressed appreciation for China’s fair and balanced stance in encouraging dialogue and reconciliation.

He also emphasised that territorial and border issues must not be resolved through the use of force.

"Thailand is committed to resolving the dispute through bilateral channels in the spirit of good neighbourliness and friendship," he said.

Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic relations became hostile following the May 28 brief exchange of gunfire between soldiers of both countries stationed near the Preah Vihear province in northern Cambodia. One Cambodian soldier died in the incident. 

The dispute, besides straining bilateral ties, also disrupted trade activities in the border areas. Both countries share an 817-kilometre-long border. 

-- BERNAMA