China offers military support to Thailand, Cambodia to consolidate ceasefire

China has offered military support to both Thailand and Cambodia to help ensure the “consolidation of the ceasefire” agreed between the two Asian countries on December 27, bringing weeks of border clashes to an end.

Two days after the ceasefire took effect, China stepped in with offers of humanitarian and military assistance, stressing that consolidating the truce was the top priority. Leaders, foreign ministers, and senior military officials from the three countries met in China’s Yunnan province

to discuss the situation.

“The Chinese military will maintain contact with the Cambodian and Thai militaries to provide support for the consolidation of the ceasefire, when necessary and upon request by both Cambodia and Thailand,” a Chinese press release said.

According to Reuters, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged both sides not to abandon the “hard-won” ceasefire halfway.

The trilateral meeting focused on efforts to resume normal exchanges, rebuild political trust, improve Cambodia-Thailand bilateral relations, and safeguard regional stability.

China also expressed readiness to provide a platform for future engagement and communication. “The implementation of the ceasefire agreement requires continued communication and consultation, and the restoration of bilateral relations must also proceed gradually,” Wang said.

This is the second ceasefire forged between Cambodia and Thailand this year. US President Donald Trump has claimed credit for both.

“I am pleased to announce that the breakout fighting between Thailand and Cambodia will stop momentarily, and they will go back to living in PEACE, as per our recently agreed original Treaty,” Trump posted on December 28.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump helped broker the previous ceasefire in July after a deadly border clash between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Wang Yi also met his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand, during which Thailand reaffirmed that Taiwan is part of China.

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