China Seeks to Mediate Thai-Cambodia Border Clash
A house damaged after Thai military strikes in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province on Dec. 16, amid clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Photographer: STR/AFP/Getty ImagesChina’s top diplomat held separate talks with his counterparts in Thailand and Cambodia as Beijing seeks to mediate a border clash after a new bout of violence between the two countries threatened to derail a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was briefed by envoys from Thailand and Cambodia on the latest developments in the conflict. Both sides expressed willingness for de-escalation and a ceasefire, state media Xinhua News Agency reported, citing their phone calls on Thursday. Wang said China was saddened by civilian casualties and urged the two sides to halt hostilities to prevent further damage and protect ASEAN unity, according to the report.