Intensive diplomatic efforts by China to halt the resumed armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and to address its underlying causes scored a significant success with a December 29, 2025, trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Cambodia, and Thailand, held in Yuxi, Yunnan Province.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that since the outbreak of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, China has upheld the spirit of the Global Security Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping, actively mediating and using its good offices. Chinese leaders have maintained friendly communication with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, and the foreign ministers have held multiple phone conversations. The Chinese special envoy has made four shuttle visits for the important objective of listening to the two sides, accommodating their legitimate concerns, and seeking a path to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation. Thanks to the joint efforts of all parties, the militaries of Cambodia and Thailand recently reached a ceasefire agreement, and China is pleased to see this progress.
Wang said that the trilateral meeting is timely. The three parties have held multiple bilateral talks here, and especially, the diplomatic and military departments of Cambodia and Thailand have engaged in face-to-face, in-depth exchanges. The discussions among the three parties were beneficial and constructive, leading to important consensus that:
- It is necessary to look forward and move ahead together. The ceasefire agreement is hard-won and must not stagnate or be derailed halfway, let alone allow conflict to be reignited. This is not what the people want, nor what China hopes for.
- Both sides should proceed step by step without stopping. The implementation of the ceasefire arrangement requires continuous communication and consultation. The restoration of bilateral relations should be gradually advanced. But as long as both sides maintain confidence and engage in equal dialogue, the goals will surely be achieved.
- Rebuilding mutual trust is paramount. The conflict has led to a loss of trust, but Cambodia and Thailand are eternal neighbours with a long history of friendly exchanges. This gathering by the Fuxian Lake is intended to heal the wounds caused by the conflict, dispel the estrangement between the two sides, and truly restore friendly relations. This serves the interests of the Cambodian and Thai peoples and is the shared expectation of all parties. China will always be a promoter of the development of Cambodia-Thailand relations and is willing to provide all necessary assistance and support, including ceasefire monitoring, humanitarian aid, and demining cooperation.
After the trilateral meeting, a press release was issued, specifying five areas where Cambodia and Thailand will further strengthen communication and enhance understanding:
- The immediate priority is to consolidate the ceasefire and ensure full and effective implementation of the Joint Statement. China supports the commitment of Cambodia and Thailand in this regard through mutual efforts with a view to ensuring that it is comprehensive and lasting, and laying the foundation for rebuilding peace.
- The next key step is to work towards resuming normal exchanges. China welcomes the efforts of Cambodia and Thailand to endeavour to resume exchanges and communication in all areas and at all levels, with a view to restoring exchanges and cooperation, and restoring the livelihood of the displaced people in the border areas. China is ready to provide humanitarian assistance immediately for livelihood needs of the displaced people in the affected border areas.
- Cambodia and Thailand will work to rebuild political mutual trust. China welcomes the efforts of Cambodia and Thailand to rebuild engagement through diplomatic channels and to promote contact between the two Foreign Ministers.
- The long-term goal is to improve Cambodia-Thailand bilateral relations. China encourages Cambodia and Thailand to create conditions for resuming normal diplomatic relations step by step.
- The shared responsibility is to safeguard regional stability. Cambodia and Thailand express their commitment to settling disputes by peaceful means, and to making concerted efforts with regional countries to address common risks and challenges, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Wang Yi also held separate bilateral meetings with his two counterparts.
Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn, Wang Yi said that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia has withstood the test of the changing international landscape, remaining rock-solid and growing stronger over time. China is following closely the tensions on the Cambodia-Thailand border and has been committed to promoting talks for peace. The ceasefire fully aligns with the shared aspirations of the Cambodian and Thai peoples and meets the common expectations of countries in the region, and it is believed to be welcomed and supported by all parties.
He added that the ceasefire marks the beginning of the process of rebuilding peace. The two sides should proceed with a phased and measured approach to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, restore normal interactions, rebuild mutual trust, turn around bilateral relations, and safeguard regional peace and stability. The two countries can make good use of this face-to-face opportunity for representatives of their diplomatic and military departments to engage in dialogue and communication in a flexible manner, enhance understanding and build mutual trust.
Prak Sokhonn said that Cambodia highly appreciates China’s positive role in mediating the conflict, including the meeting among the foreign ministers of Cambodia, China, and Thailand, as well as the Chinese special envoy’s shuttle mediation.
Both sides also exchanged views on China-Cambodia relations and agreed that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, positive progress has been made in building an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. The Cambodian side expressed gratitude for China’s support and assistance in Cambodia’s development, considering China as the most reliable and trustworthy partner.
Even as the discussions were still proceeding in Yunnan, the first batch of China’s humanitarian aid was already arriving in Cambodia.
On December 28, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin announced on his social media that to help displaced civilians affected by the border conflict, the Chinese government has decided to provide RMB 20 million-worth of emergency humanitarian aid to the Cambodian government. “Today,” he continued, “the first batch of Chinese aid arrives in Cambodia, which includes, among others, tents, blankets, and food.”
Wang noted that ever since the outbreak of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, China is the first country to provide assistance to Cambodia, and also the one that has provided the most assistance, testifying to the profound friendship between China and Cambodia.
Meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Wang Yi said that China will continue to make efforts to rebuild peace between Thailand and Cambodia and is willing to offer humanitarian assistance to people in need in both countries.
As a friendly neighbour of both countries, China wants least to see Thailand and Cambodia come to war and hopes most to see the two countries restore their friendship. It is believed that as long as Thailand and Cambodia communicate on an equal footing and move forward together, there will be no insurmountable obstacles.
Sihasak spoke highly of China’s active efforts in mediating the Thailand-Cambodia conflict in an Asian way, noting that the ceasefire agreement newly signed by Thailand and Cambodia marks a fresh start.
With regards to bilateral relations, Wang requested Sihasak to convey Chinese President Xi Jinping’s sincere greetings and New Year’s wishes to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, stating that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. The Thai King successfully paid his first historic state visit to China. Xi and the Thai monarch reached important consensus on promoting the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future, which has drawn a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.
Sihasak requested Wang to convey the king’s sincere greetings to President Xi. He said that Thailand and China have shared a time-honoured history of exchanges. In recent years, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries has grown increasingly close, with mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation deepening across various fields, making significant contributions to safeguarding regional peace and stability.
The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and by Agence Kampuchea Presse and the Xinhua News Agency.
Foreign Ministers of China, Cambodia, and Thailand Hold Trilateral Meeting
December 29 (MFA) – On December 29, 2025, the trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Cambodia, and Thailand was successfully held in Yuxi, Yunnan Province. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, and senior military officials from the three countries attended the meeting.
Wang Yi stated that since the outbreak of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, China has upheld the spirit of the Global Security Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping, actively mediating and playing good offices. Chinese leaders have maintained friendly communication with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, and the foreign ministers have held multiple phone conversations. The Chinese special envoy has made four shuttle visits for the important objective of listening to the two sides, accommodating their legitimate concerns, and seeking a path to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation. Thanks to the joint efforts of all parties, the militaries of Cambodia and Thailand recently reached a ceasefire agreement, and China is pleased to see this progress.
Wang Yi stated that the trilateral meeting is timely. The three parties have held multiple bilateral talks here, and especially, the diplomatic and military departments of Cambodia and Thailand have engaged in face-to-face, in-depth exchanges, all demonstrating a positive and open attitude. Both sides are committed to easing tensions and are willing to improve bilateral relations on the basis of the ceasefire. The discussions among the three parties were beneficial and constructive, leading to important consensus. First, it is necessary to look forward and move ahead together. The ceasefire agreement is hard-won and must not stagnate or be derailed halfway, let alone allow conflict to be reignited. This is not what the people want, nor what China hopes for. Second, both sides should proceed step by step without stopping. The implementation of the ceasefire arrangement requires continuous communication and consultation. The restoration of bilateral relations should be gradually advanced. But as long as both sides maintain confidence and engage in equal dialogue, the goals will surely be achieved. Third, rebuilding mutual trust is paramount. The conflict has led to a loss of trust, but Cambodia and Thailand are eternal neighbors with a long history of friendly exchanges. This gathering by the Fuxian Lake is intended to heal the wounds caused by the conflict, dispel the estrangement between the two sides, and truly restore friendly relations. This serves the interests of the Cambodian and Thai peoples and is the shared expectation of all parties. China will always be a promoter of the development of Cambodia-Thailand relations and is willing to provide all necessary assistance and support, including ceasefire monitoring, humanitarian aid, de-mining cooperation, and other aspects. China looks forward to, and believes in, the early return of Cambodia-Thailand relations to the right track.
The foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand expressed their gratitude to China for providing the platform for dialogue and highly appreciated China’s constructive role in resolving the conflict, easing tensions, and promoting dialogue. Both sides emphasized the value of peace and expressed their willingness to actively implement the ceasefire agreement, make good use of dialogue mechanisms at all levels, jointly manage, control and resolve disputes, and work together to safeguard peace and stability in the border areas between the two countries.
After the trilateral meeting, a press release was issued, specifying five aspects where Cambodia and Thailand will further strengthen communication and enhance understanding, namely, gradually consolidate the ceasefire, resume exchanges, rebuild political mutual trust, achieve a turnaround in bilateral relations, and safeguard regional peace.
Press Release of China-Cambodia-Thailand Fuxian Meeting
December 29 (MFA) – On 28 and 29 December 2025, Foreign Ministers and senior military officials of China, Cambodia and Thailand held a meeting by the Fuxian Lake, Yunnan Province of China. China welcomed the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting signed between Cambodia and Thailand on 27 December 2025. The three sides stressed that the Joint Statement serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the people of the two countries. It sends out a positive signal, and is conducive to peace and stability of the region. It fully demonstrates that dialogue and consultation is a practical and effective way to resolve complex disputes.
The three sides had in-depth exchanges on consolidating ceasefire and working step by step through mutual efforts to resume normal exchanges, rebuild political mutual trust, improve Cambodia-Thailand bilateral relations, and safeguard regional stability, with the key outcomes as follows:
1.The immediate priority is to consolidate the ceasefire, and ensure full and effective implementation of the Joint Statement. China supports the commitment of Cambodia and Thailand in this regard through mutual efforts with a view to ensuring that it is comprehensive and lasting, and laying the foundation for rebuilding peace. In this connection, the three sides support the Joint Boundary Commission in accordance with the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting on 27 December 2025．China is ready to provide all necessary support to Cambodia and Thailand in advancing humanitarian de-mining through the Joint Coordinating Task Force and bilateral arrangements, and to provide substantive assistance for the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to ensure its effective functioning. The Chinese military will maintain contact with the Cambodian and Thai militaries to provide support for the consolidation of ceasefire, when necessary and upon request by both Cambodia and Thailand.
2.The next key step is to work towards resuming normal exchanges. China welcomes the efforts of Cambodia and Thailand to endeavour to resume exchanges and communication in all areas and all levels, with a view to restoring exchanges and cooperation, and restoring livelihood of the displaced people in the border areas in accordance with the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting on 27 December 2025．China is ready to provide humanitarian assistance immediately for livelihood needs of the displaced people in the affected border areas.
3.Cambodia and Thailand will work to rebuild political mutual trust. China welcomes the efforts of Cambodia and Thailand to rebuild engagement through diplomatic channels, and to promote contact between the two Foreign Ministers. Cambodia and Thailand agree to foster a sound atmosphere for the planned Fifth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting to be held in Thailand at appropriate time, and ensure its success.
- The long-term goal is to improve Cambodia-Thailand bilateral relations. China encourages Cambodia and Thailand to create conditions for resuming normal diplomatic relations step by step. China is willing to provide platform,when necessary, for the two sides to conduct more comprehensive and effective communication.
5.The shared responsibility is to safeguard regional stability. Cambodia and Thailand express their commitment to settling disputes by peaceful means, and to making concerted efforts with regional countries to address common risks and challenges, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The three countries agree to take more effective measures to combat transboundary crimes such as telecom and online scams, to protect the life and property of the people in the region.
Cambodia and Thailand appreciate China’s strong support in promoting talks between the two countries, taking into account the comfort levels of both sides. In the spirit of the Anning Outcome, China will continue to play a constructive role in facilitating the rebuilding of trust and achieving lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand in the Asian way, with the aim of building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries.
Wang Yi Meets with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn
December 28 (MFA) – On December 28, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn in Yuxi, Yunnan Province.
Wang Yi said that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia has withstood the test of the changing international landscape, remaining rock-solid and growing stronger over time. China is following closely the tensions on the Cambodia-Thailand border and has been committed to promoting talks for peace. With the concerted efforts of all parties, the two militaries of Cambodia and Thailand have reached a ceasefire agreement, marking an important step toward restoring peace. China congratulates both countries on this progress. The ceasefire fully aligns with the shared aspirations of the Cambodian and Thai peoples and meets the common expectations of countries in the region, and it is believed to be welcomed and supported by all parties.
Wang Yi stated that the ceasefire marks the beginning of the process of rebuilding peace. The two sides should proceed in a phased and measured approach to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, restore normal interactions, rebuild mutual trust, turn around bilateral relations, and safeguard regional peace and stability. The two countries can make good use of this face-to-face opportunity for representatives of their diplomatic and military departments to engage in dialogue and communication in a flexible manner, enhance understanding and build mutual trust. Wang Yi expressed the expectation that the three parties will send out a message of peace from Yunnan, reach a consensus on peace, and showcase the prospects for peace. China supports ASEAN in playing its due role and stands ready to assist the ASEAN observer team in monitoring the ceasefire, and provide humanitarian supplies to Cambodia for the settlement of displaced people in border areas. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Cambodia will continue to enhance the protection of Chinese citizens and projects in the country.
Prak Sokhonn said that Cambodia highly appreciates China’s positive role in mediating the conflict, including the meeting among the foreign ministers of Cambodia, China, and Thailand in Anning, as well as the Chinese special envoy’s shuttle mediation. Thanks to the joint efforts of China and all parties, Cambodia and Thailand held a meeting of the General Border Committee, and the two militaries signed a ceasefire agreement. Moving forward, Cambodia is willing to work with Thailand to fully implement the ceasefire agreement, make effective use of various dialogue mechanisms, and continuously enhance mutual trust between the two countries and their militaries. This is crucial for restoring bilateral exchanges, normalizing relations, and resolving the border issue at an early date. Cambodia looks forward to the early arrival of the dawn of peace and hopes that this trilateral meeting will contribute to rebuilding lasting peace.
Both sides also exchanged views on China-Cambodia relations and agreed that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, positive progress has been made in building an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. The Cambodian side expressed gratitude for China’s support and assistance in Cambodia’s development, considering China as the most reliable and trustworthy partner. Cambodia will firmly abide by the one-China principle, oppose “Taiwan independence”, and support China’s cause of reunification.
China to Continue Playing a Positive and Constructive Role in Ceasefire Consolidation
Phnom Penh, December 28 (AKP) – China will continue to play a positive and constructive role in consolidating the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, reaffirmed H.E. Wang Wenbin, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, upon the arrival of the first batch of Chinese aid to Cambodia on Sunday.
On his social media platform this afternoon, H.E. Wang Wenbin stated that to help displaced civilians affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflicts, the Chinese government has decided to provide RMB 20 million-worth of emergency humanitarian aid to the Cambodian government.
Today, he continued, the first batch of Chinese aid arrives in Cambodia, which includes, among others, tents, blankets, and food. Hopefully, these supplies will be timely assistance for the Cambodian people affected by the conflict to improve living conditions and overcome the current difficulties.
According to H.E. Ambassador, ever since the outbreak of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflicts, China is the first country to provide assistance to Cambodia, and also the one that has provided the most assistance, testifying the profound friendship between China and Cambodia.
“Peace is a shared aspiration of both Cambodian and Thai people, and also China’s unremitting pursuit,” he underlined, adding that currently, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi is meeting with Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers in Yunnan Province, with the participation of military representatives from the three countries.
“We welcome the ceasefire announcement by Cambodia and Thailand, and will continue to play a positive and constructive role in consolidating the ceasefire, rebuilding mutual trust, and establishing lasting peace,” H.E. Wang Wenbin emphasised.
China will continue to make efforts to rebuild peace between Thailand and Cambodia: Chinese FM
KUNMING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) — China will continue to make efforts to rebuild peace between Thailand and Cambodia and is willing to offer humanitarian assistance to people in need in both countries, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Yuxi City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province on Sunday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Following the signing of a joint statement agreeing to a ceasefire, Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers are leading delegations to meet in Yunnan from Dec. 28 to 29 at the invitation of Wang.
Wang said as a friendly neighbor of both countries, China wants least to see Thailand and Cambodia come to war and hopes most to see the two countries restore their friendship. It is believed that as long as Thailand and Cambodia communicate on an equal footing and move forward together, there will be no insurmountable obstacles.
China will continue to support ASEAN in playing its due role, is willing to provide assistance to the ASEAN observation mission in monitoring the ceasefire.
Sihasak spoke highly of China’s active efforts in mediating the Thailand-Cambodia conflict in an Asian way, noting that the ceasefire agreement newly signed by Thailand and Cambodia marks a fresh start.
Resorting to force is never Thailand’s choice when it comes to disputes with neighboring countries, Sihasak said, adding that Thailand is committed to achieving a sustainable ceasefire and pursuing genuine peace.
“We are willing to look forward and move ahead, strengthen communication with Cambodia through bilateral channels, and in a sincere manner, gradually resume exchanges, rebuild mutual trust, repair bilateral relations, and safeguard the peace and tranquility of the borders between the two countries and the region,” the foreign minister said.
With regards to bilateral relations, Wang requested Sihasak to convey Chinese President Xi Jinping’s sincere greetings and New Year’s wishes to Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, stating that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. The Thai king successfully paid his first historic state visit to China. Xi and the Thai king reached important consensus on promoting the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future, which has drawn a blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.
Thailand has recently reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle and its opposition to “Taiwan independence,” demonstrating strong support for China’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Wang, adding that China appreciates this stance.
China is willing to work with Thailand to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, jointly open up a new golden 50 years of China-Thailand friendship, Wang added.
Sihasak requested Wang to convey Thai king’s sincere greetings to President Xi. He said that Thailand and China have shared a time-honored history of exchanges. In recent years, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries has grown increasingly close, with mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation deepening across various fields, making significant contributions to safeguarding regional peace and stability.
Sihasak said Thailand will, as always, firmly adhere to the one-China policy.
