China To Facilitate Thailand-Kamboja Negotiations Amid Military War

JAKARTA - China will seek to defuse the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and encourage both parties to negotiate.

"China upholds a fair and impartial attitude, and will continue to facilitate reconciliation and implement negotiations in its own way, as well as play a constructive role in encouraging de-escalation," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, on Thursday, July 24, reported by ANTARA from Sputnik/RIA Novosti-OANA.

Beijing is deeply concerned about the ongoing situation and hopes both sides will resolve the matter through dialogue and negotiations, the spokesman added.

On Thursday there was an escalation of clashes between troops of the two countries on the border of Thailand and Cambodia, which began with a shootout between ground troops in the disputed region.

Local news agency Nation reported that the dead and injured occurred on both sides, including civilians.

Authorities in four Thai provinces bordering Cambodia have announced the evacuation of residents amid the escalation.