China has expressed deep concern over the escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, urging both Southeast Asian nations to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued its statement on Thursday after Thai fighter jets struck Cambodian military positions in what officials in Bangkok described as retaliation for earlier artillery attacks by Cambodian troops.
"We are deeply concerned with the ongoing developments and hope that the two sides will properly address issues through dialogue and consultation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said during a regular briefing in Beijing.
Both Thailand and Cambodia are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China maintains close ties with each, particularly Cambodia. Guo emphasized that the dispute should be managed through proper diplomatic channels, stating that "good-neighborliness and proper handling of differences are in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides."
The clashes erupted along a disputed area near centuries-old temples on Thursday, with heavy exchanges of fire reported at six locations. Thailand's Ministry of Public Health confirmed at least 12 casualties - mostly Thai civilians - including civilians and one soldier, while 31 others were wounded. The Thai military claimed Cambodian artillery targeted a Thai military base and civilian locations before the Thai Air Force deployed F-16 jets to destroy two Cambodian military positions.
Thai army spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon said, "We have used air power against military targets as planned." The Cambodian Foreign Ministry, however, condemned the strikes as "unprovoked" and called for Thailand to "refrain from any further provocative actions that could escalate the situation."
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Thailand's "unprovoked and premeditated military aggression" forced Cambodian forces to act in self-defense. Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata added, "Cambodia stands fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of our citizens."
The Thai Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, stated, "The Royal Thai Government urges Cambodia to cease its repeated act which constitutes a severe violation of international law."
In response to the escalating tensions, Thailand has recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh and ordered Cambodia to withdraw its envoy from Bangkok. Cambodia responded by recalling its embassy staff.
The two countries have long disputed stretches of their 508-mile border, with friction flaring intermittently since the colonial era. Tensions have increased since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a border clash. On Thursday, unverified footage circulated online appearing to show Cambodian forces deploying truck-mounted multiple-rocket launchers.
China, which has naval access to a Cambodian base near the Gulf of Thailand, is seen as having influence with both sides and is pushing to de-escalate the conflict through diplomacy. "China adopts a fair and impartial stance, continues to promote talks for peace through its own way, and plays a constructive role in helping de-escalate the situation," Guo said.
ASEAN chairman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also signaled efforts to mediate, telling reporters, "I have sent messages to both prime ministers and look forward to speaking with them later today or tonight."
