Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

On Saturday, Cambodia and Thailand signed a joint statement agreeing to a ceasefire at the Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting. Immediately afterward, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow lead delegations to meet in Yunnan from Sunday to Monday. During the mediation, both Cambodia and Thailand expressed appreciation and gratitude for China's positive role. International opinion widely holds that, in what has been called "one of the most serious armed confrontations between ASEAN countries since the end of the Cold War," China played a key mediating role in bringing the two sides to a ceasefire.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has dragged on for weeks, causing heavy casualties and forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. It poses a direct challenge to regional peace and stability while also affecting the overall unity and cooperation within ASEAN. For a long time, international conflict mediation has encountered multiple structural difficulties, such as the sovereignty and independence of the parties involved, the impartiality of the mediator, and the uncertainty of outcomes. Moreover, traditional mediation led by Western countries has frequently placed heavy emphasis on so-called "human rights" and "democratic transformation," even taking sides or using coercive pressure to force the parties involved to quickly sign agreements, often complicating and worsening conflicts. Such approaches, marked by Western-centrism, have also faced deep trust deficits.

In this Cambodia-Thailand conflict, not only did both parties thank China, but regional countries broadly welcomed its efforts - even typically critical Western media acknowledged China's mediation this time. This was no coincidence.

Since the situation grew tense, China has consistently upheld an objective and impartial stance, conducting multiple rounds of shuttle diplomacy and providing a high-level platform for direct talks between the two sides. Several key points clearly emerge from this. First, China avoided taking sides or forming factions, instead acting as "a friend and close neighbor to both countries" to promote de-escalation and ceasefire - a concrete manifestation of the principle that "our security and safety are bound together." Second, it did not overstep its role, stressing its "support for ASEAN's mediation efforts" - a steadfast adherence to its longstanding commitment to upholding ASEAN centrality. Third, it refrained from fanning the flames, maintaining throughout that "dialogue and consultation are a viable and effective way to resolve complex disputes," with its diplomatic actions demonstrating rationality, pragmatism, and a non-confrontational approach. Fourth, it attached no political conditions whatsoever, making the parties involved feel comfortable and providing humanitarian supplies to Cambodia - the first batch of which has already arrived in Phnom Penh - vividly embodying the humanitarian spirit of "standing together through thick and thin."

China has clearly stated that it will "play a constructive role in its own way for Cambodia and Thailand to consolidate the ceasefire, resume exchanges, rebuild political trust, achieve turnaround in bilateral relations and uphold regional peace." This indicates that China's goals extend far beyond merely establishing a temporary ceasefire agreement; it is committed to promoting a fundamental improvement in the relationship between the two sides. 

The Cambodia-Thailand conflict stems from long-standing border disputes. China hopes to use the ceasefire as an opportunity to promote the establishment of a long-term dialogue mechanism, helping both Cambodia and Thailand gradually resolve historical issues and embark on a path toward long-lasting peace. China's mediation efforts are not about imposing its own solutions on others; rather, it always respects the sovereignty of the parties involved and the central role of ASEAN. With a sincere attitude and flexible diplomatic wisdom, China aims to "build bridges" for resolving conflicts, and the results are evident.

The recent series of mediation practices, which builds on previous initiatives that facilitated reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, have made it increasingly clear to the world China's unique path of participation in global conflict governance. Unlike many past mediations dominated by the West, China does not adopt a condescending approach, impose political conditions, or seek geopolitical advantages. This new mediation paradigm is rooted in the fundamental principle of "shared destiny," and addresses the trust dilemmas inherent in traditional international conflict mediation. The parties involved need not worry about bias from the mediator or fear encroachments on their sovereignty; instead, they can choose to trust in the sincerity and goodwill of "friends and neighbors." The willingness of Cambodia and Thailand to engage in negotiations in China immediately following the ceasefire reflects a strong recognition of China's fairness and reliability, as well as their confidence in China's diplomatic philosophy.

From the Palestine-Israel conflict and the Iran nuclear issue to the Yemen issue, and the Syria issue, and Cambodia-Thailand conflict, China has consistently engaged constructively in resolving global hotspot issues. China's value is further reflected in its advocacy for and its practice of building a community with a shared future for humanity. 

Cambodia and Thailand are closely connected with China and are important partners in the Belt and Road Initiative. China's active efforts in facilitating dialogue for peace represent a vivid practice of a model of security for Asia that features security for all, seeks common ground while shelving differences, and promotes dialogue. These efforts also provide endogenous momentum and lasting support for conflict resolution. They demonstrate to the world that Chinese wisdom and concepts are not abstract ideas but are embodied in a series of concrete and tangible actions for peace. This is the certainty and positive energy that China offers to a world filled with uncertainties.