Photo: China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

China will always be a promoter and facilitator of the sound growth of Cambodia- Thailand relations and stands ready to provide all necessary assistance and support, including in ceasefire monitoring, humanitarian assistance and demining cooperation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday in response to an inquiry about whether China would send peacekeepers to the Cambodia-Thailand border areas.

"We look forward to and believe that Thailand-Cambodia relations will get back to the right track at an early date," Lin added.

Lin said since the outbreak of the conflict at the Cambodia-Thailand border, China has conducted active mediation in keeping with the Global Security Initiative proposed by the Chinese leader. 

Thanks to the joint efforts of all parties, the military authorities of Thailand and Cambodia recently reached a ceasefire agreement. The Chinese side welcomes this, the spokesperson added.

Lin stated that during the trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Cambodia and Thailand held in Southwest China's Yunnan Province on Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that the discussions among the three sides were beneficial and constructive, yielding important consensus. 

Consensus includes jointly looking forward and moving ahead. The ceasefire agreement is hard-won; there must be no stagnation, no halfway abandonment, and certainly no reignition of hostilities, which is neither the desire of the people nor what China hopes to see. 

Proceeding step by step without stalling is also part of the consensus. The implementation of the ceasefire arrangements requires continuous communication and consultation, and the restoration of bilateral relations must be advanced gradually. However, as long as both sides maintain confidence and engage in equal dialogue, the goals will undoubtedly be achieved. 

The consensus also emphasizes that rebuilding mutual trust is of utmost importance. While the conflict has eroded trust, Cambodia and Thailand are eternal neighbors with a long history of friendly interactions.

Lin said following the trilateral meeting, a press release was issued, outlining in five key areas that Cambodia and Thailand will strengthen communication, enhance understanding, consolidate the ceasefire situation progressively, resume mutual engagements, rebuild political mutual trust, achieve a turnaround in relations, and safeguard regional peace.


Global Times