On Thursday (December 18, 2025), China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate phone talks with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, aiming to de-escalate the latest border clashes 📞🌏.
The Cambodia-Thailand border saw its most intense skirmish in recent memory, with both sides reporting civilian and military casualties. According to Thai military sources, 21 soldiers and 21 civilians have died, while Cambodia’s Interior Ministry puts civilian fatalities at 18 and injuries at 78 😢.
As a friend and close neighbor, China was 'deeply saddened' by the loss of life, Wang Yi said, stressing that continued fighting hurts everyone and undermines ASEAN unity. His top priority is to promptly agree to a ceasefire, stop losses, and rebuild trust 🛑🤝.
China has consistently championed peace talks and backed ASEAN’s mediation efforts. To ramp up support, a special envoy for Asian affairs has already set off to shuttle between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, aiming to bridge gaps and kickstart meaningful dialogue 🚀.
Both Prak Sokhonn and Sihasak praised China’s fair and impartial role, welcoming the envoy’s shuttle diplomacy and hoping for even more constructive efforts to rebuild peace 🕊️.
For young pros in South and Southeast Asia, stable borders mean safer travel, smoother trade, and better digital connectivity — from seamless e-wallets in Phnom Penh to cross-border startup collabs between Bangkok and Siem Reap 🌐💡.
With Wang Yi’s intervention, the region is eyeing a swift de-escalation. Let’s stay tuned for more peace moves on the horizon! 😉
Reference(s):
Chinese FM holds calls with Cambodian, Thai foreign ministers
cgtn.com
