As Thailand accused Cambodia of firing during the truce, China expressed hope that both sides would strictly adhere to a lasting ceasefire, rebuild trust and improve relations.
“As a friend and close neighbour of both countries, China is heartened by the continued implementation of the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, and the safe return of 18 Cambodian soldiers to their country,” said Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin in a social media post on January 6, referring to the release of the soldiers by the Thai military on December 31, after 155 days in detention.
“We hope that Cambodia and Thailand will continue to look ahead and move forward, step up dialogue and communication, jointly ensure a full and lasting ceasefire, and gradually rebuild trust and improve relations. This serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both the Cambodian and Thai people, and it is also what the international community hopes to see,” he added.
Thailand’s Second Army Region today alleged that Cambodian forces had fired into Thai territory. However, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence said the incident involved an explosion near the Mom Bei area this morning, which injured two Cambodian soldiers. The explosion was caused by the detonation of a device hidden in a pile of rubbish.
Despite the ceasefire, Cambodia has also reported illegal activities by the Thai military, including the occupation of parts of Cambodian territory in four provinces, the destruction of civilian homes, looting and the confiscation of arms and ammunition from Cambodian police station.
Meanwhile, Thailand reportedly denied a request from Cambodia’s Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) for a meeting, citing internal issues. The refusal came as the Thai military continued destroying Cambodian civilian homes, placing razor-wire barricades, positioning shipping containers and bulldozing homes behind them.
“China will continue to implement the Global Security Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping, follow the direction determined by the three countries at the Fuxian meeting, and actively facilitate – through the Asian way – the two countries’ efforts to achieve a sustained ceasefire and improve their relations. China will also make due contributions to regional peace and stability, and to building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries,” Wang added.
