China Supports Thailand-Kamboja Reconciliation And Offers Necessary Assistance

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Twitter/@mfa_russia)

JAKARTA - Deputy Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday said China's support for Thailand and Cambodia was to resolve its border disputes, and was ready to offer the assistance needed by the two countries.

Foreign Minister Wang said China supports Southeast Asian countries in strengthening dialogue, hoping they rebuild mutual trust and restore friendship, according to two statements from his ministry.

He met with his counterpart from Thailand and Cambodia separately on the sidelines of the Lancang-Mekong Foreign Ministers Meeting in Yunnan Province, southwest of China, as shown in the meeting summary, reported by Reuters on August 14.

Thailand and Cambodia are known to have been fighting for decades over border areas and have been in a conflict position since the death of a Cambodian soldier in a minor battle in late May.

Clashes turned deadly fighting in the worst fighting in more than a decade, before a ceasefire was reached in late July.

Separately, in a meeting with Thailand, Foreign Minister Wang spoke of China's readiness to accelerate rail construction with Thailand, encourage more investment from Chinese companies in Thailand, and ensure regional production and supply chain stability.

"It is hoped that Thailand will provide more policy and facilitation support for Chinese companies," he told Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

Meanwhile, during his meeting with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Foreign Minister Wang voiced his support for Cambodia to maintain political stability, saying China respects the country's crackdown on online gambling and fraud via wire.

He also expressed hope that Cambodia would continue strong steps for joint efforts in the region against cross-border criminal activities.

Over the years, criminal networks have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people into committing fraud in various places in Southeast Asia, including many along the Thailand-Myanmar border, where victims were forced to work in illegal online schemes, according to the United Nations.

This year, China has stepped up efforts with the region to hamper fraud operations after cases involving Chinese victims spread across domestic social media.