China takes the helm: Beijing mediates Thailand-Cambodia border dispute with high-level talks

Beijing (The Uttam Hindu): A major shift is taking place in the geopolitics of South East Asia. In a region that once looked to the US for peace agreements and ceasefires, China has now begun to play the role of "Big Brother." The latest evidence of this is China's active mediation in the ongoing bloody border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. On Monday, a high-profile trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries was held in China's Yunnan province, which made clear Beijing's growing stature in Asian diplomacy.

Yunnan witnessed a brainstorming session, and hope arose after 100 deaths

This important meeting took place in China's southwestern province of Yunnan, located close to the disputed border. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeo, and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn attended the meeting, which came just two days after a new ceasefire agreement was reached between the two countries on December 27th. It is noteworthy that recent violence along the border has claimed the lives of more than 100 people.

China's advice: 'No one wants to ignite the fire of war'

During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated clearly that allowing the fires of war to flare up again is in no one's interest. He said, "Neither the people of the two countries nor China wants to see this. We must firmly move forward for regional peace, stability, and development." According to the Chinese agency Xinhua, China has also offered to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to displaced residents. The three countries have agreed to restore relations in a phased manner.

Thailand and Cambodia say they are moving in the right direction

After the meeting, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak offered positive signals, saying, "We haven't resolved all issues yet, but we are making progress in the right direction. Our priority is a permanent ceasefire and trust-building." Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said, "We don't want to go back to the past. No one wants to see fighting again. We hope this ceasefire will last and create an environment for resolving differences."

Trump's threat and Malaysia's mediation failed

The history of this dispute has been complicated. A ceasefire agreement was reached in July under the mediation of Malaysia and pressure from US President Donald Trump. Trump then threatened to withhold trade privileges for both countries. However, due to propaganda and mistrust, that agreement failed to hold, and a fierce battle broke out in early December. Now, China has taken charge of resolving the dispute, attempting to send the message that Western powers are no longer needed to resolve Asian issues.