China has shared its support for the effective implementation of the current ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, and the resumption of normalised relations. Meanwhile, a well-known analyst has warned that Thailand appears to be motivated by external pressure, rather than genuine goodwill.
Wang Wenbin, Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, met with Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha on August 21 to discuss the progress of the ceasefire. Subsequently, he took to social media to share China’s strong support its implementation, as agreed in Malaysia, as well as the commitments made during a recent meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Cambodia and Thailand in Anning, China.
“We will make unremitting efforts with Cambodia and Thailand, together with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries, to restore peace and tranquillity in the Cambodia-Thailand border areas,” he wrote.
China took part in ceasefire negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28 and August 7 in Malaysia, acting as an observer alongside the US.
Although the ceasefire is in effect and the sound of guns has stopped ringing, the atmosphere in the border region between the two countries remains tense. Thai forces have reportedly laid razor wire on Cambodian territory and continue to detain 18 Cambodian soldiers, while also accusing Cambodia of planting mines that injured its troops — an accusation Cambodia has denied.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that Cambodia always welcomes third-party involvement to resolve conflicts because of the value it places on peace. He emphasised that Cambodia’s acceptance of third-party involvement is not due to fear of pressure but because bilateral negotiations have become unfeasible.
“Thailand may comply with the US, China or be forced to follow ASEAN’s leadership, but this is due to pressure, not a genuine desire for peace or long-term stability along the border. Peace resulting from pressure is not sustainable; true peace must stem from the sincerity and goodwill of the parties at conflict,” he said.
He added that Cambodia is demonstrating sincerity, goodwill and patience in implementing the ceasefire. Without this patience, the ceasefire would have collapsed on July 29 when Thai forces detained Cambodian soldiers, an issue which has now been ongoing for 23 days.
“Cambodia has shown great restraint. They [Thai forces] detain our troops, erect barbed wire on our land, use machinery to clear areas and surround civilian homes. Yet, the people, government and armed forces endure this, with the sole aim of successfully implementing the ceasefire and achieving stability and peace along the border,” he said.
In contrast, he added, Thailand does not respect the essence of the ceasefire, as evidenced by its various provocative actions.
