Xi Jinping Promises to Help Resolve the Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute

Chinese President Xi Jinping/DOK Russian-Chinese negotiations

JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to continue to help Thailand and Cambodia resolve their long-running territorial disputes "in a just and peaceful manner".

The commitment was made in a separate meeting with the leaders of the two Southeast Asian countries in Shanghai, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

In his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Xi expressed his hope that Bangkok and Phnom Penh would remain committed to the path of dialogue.

Xi reiterated Beijing was "ready to continue to play a constructive role" in the process.

As reported by ANTARA from Kyodo, Friday, July 17, Xi to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet conveyed the consolidation of the ceasefire and the gradual development of mutual trust between Cambodia and Thailand is a fundamental interest for both parties.

The two prime ministers are in Shanghai to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) which opened on Friday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the two leaders expressed appreciation for China's role in promoting the peace process.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand remain high after reigniting in May 2025.

The five-day clash in July last year killed more than 30 people, before the two leaders finally signed a peace deal in October in the presence of US President Donald Trump.

However, border clashes broke out again in December, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 soldiers and civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.

The two countries then agreed to a ceasefire at the end of that month after mediation efforts involving Trump and China.

In addition to border issues, Xi also agreed with the two leaders to continue to cooperate in eradicating cross-border crimes, such as online gambling and telecommunications fraud.

Ahead of Prime Minister Anutin's visit to China, human rights watchdog group Human Rights Watch urged Thai authorities not to deport four Chinese dissidents detained in Bangkok.

The detainees include journalist Bai Zhaodong and pro-democracy activist Zhang Xinyan.

Hong Kong police have previously offered a reward of 200,000 Hong Kong dollars (about 25,000 US dollars) for Zhang's arrest.