FM calls on China to back a lasting ceasefire and discourage renewed conflict
Thai FM Sihasak met China’s Wang Yi in Yunnan, urging Beijing to help sustain the ceasefire and signal Cambodia against renewed conflict ahead of Dec 28–29 talks
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has travelled to Yunnan, China, at the invitation of Wang Yi, a member of the Communist Party of China’s Politburo, director of the Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, and China’s foreign minister, for bilateral talks on the latest Thailand–Cambodia border developments following the ceasefire agreement.
Sihasak is also preparing to join a three-party meeting with Cambodia and China on December 28–29, 2025, with Cambodia’s delegation led by Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ahead of the talks, Sihasak held preparatory meetings with the Thai delegation, including representatives from the Defence Ministry.
Sihasak said the Yunnan meetings come after China previously sent a special envoy to visit both Thailand and Cambodia. He said Thailand’s purpose in meeting China this time is to stress that Beijing should support a sustainable ceasefire and send a signal to Cambodia that it should not revive or attempt to create any further conflict. He said the talks followed the conclusion of the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, and that Thailand does not view China merely as a mediator, but wants Beijing to play a constructive role in ensuring a durable ceasefire—particularly by conveying such a message to Cambodia.
He said a key principle of the ceasefire is that Thailand and Cambodia should resolve the issue directly between themselves. Thailand wants China to listen to Thailand’s position and support what Thailand and Cambodia have discussed, he said, adding that Thailand is determined in what it is doing and will not act under pressure from others.
Sihasak also thanked China for its role and understanding in supporting peace between Thailand and Cambodia through what he described as an “Asian approach”.
Thailand, he said, believes diplomatic relations should be adjusted gradually to build trust and confidence. He added that once the 72-hour period is complete, Thailand will consider releasing 18 prisoners of war, and hopes Cambodia will facilitate the return of Thai people living near the border.
China, he said, welcomed the ceasefire agreement during the bilateral talks, reiterated its respect for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and said it stands ready to serve as a channel to support efforts towards sustainable peace between the two countries.
