Editorial | China provides substance to Cambodia-Thailand peace efforts

The trilateral talks held in China have proved fruitful. The foreign ministry put out a statement explaining that Phnom Penh and Bangkok would work through “mutual efforts” to “rebuild political mutual trust, improve Cambodia-Thailand relations and safeguard regional stability”.

The road ahead will not be easy. Behind the border fights are long-simmering territorial disputes and historical claims. However, the two neighbours sharing similar cultural roots are not natural enemies and have much to gain from peaceful coexistence and cooperation. Wang has invested China’s considerable political capital and prestige in bringing the two sides together. “The ceasefire agreement was hard won and must not be allowed to stall, be abandoned halfway or give way to a renewed outbreak of fighting,” he was quoted as saying by the ministry. Beyond helping with the negotiations, Beijing is committed to providing help, including ceasefire monitoring, humanitarian aid and mine-clearing.

The violence reignited in early December, resulting in at least 47 dead and more than a million people displaced. US President Donald Trump has claimed credit for the latest peace efforts.

A formal ceasefire was first signed in October after border hostilities broke out in July. Trump attended the signing ceremony in Malaysia and declared he had brokered the peace deal.

But if the US president offered the show, China provided the substance. It is in a unique diplomatic and geographical position to serve as a mediator. Beijing and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have a deep stake in restoring peace and stability in their neighbourhood. If they can work together and achieve it, that should be enough of a reward.