Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

Asked to comment on Western media reports that China has provided large-scale arms assistance to Cambodia, alleging that China is taking sides in the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and misrepresenting China's defense cooperation with relevant countries, which has drawn public attention, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that since the outbreak of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, China, as a friendly neighbor to both Cambodia and Thailand, has maintained a fair and impartial stance, actively promoting peace and dialogue.

The foreign ministers of China, Cambodia, and Thailand reached the "Anning Consensus," held informal trilateral meetings, and China's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs made multiple visits to Cambodia and Thailand for shuttle diplomacy. With the active efforts of China, Malaysia, and other relevant parties, Cambodia and Thailand have reached a ceasefire consensus and are maintaining communication through bilateral mechanisms. Relevant parties expressed high appreciation for the irreplaceable role played by China, Guo noted. 

Guo emphasized that China supports Cambodia and Thailand in resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and supports Malaysia in playing its role as ASEAN's rotating chair to promote a political settlement in the "ASEAN way." 

China stands ready, in accordance with the wishes of both Cambodia and Thailand, to continue encouraging peace talks in its own way and to play a constructive role in consolidating the ceasefire consensus and achieving a peaceful resolution of the dispute. China conducts normal defense cooperation with ASEAN members, including Cambodia and Thailand. Attempts by certain Western media to sow discord between China and relevant countries are doomed to fail, Guo said.