China Backs Cambodia’s Peace Drive as UXO Campaign Shields Civilians Returning to War-Torn Villages

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (Jan. 5, 2026) — Cambodia has doubled down on its pledge to resolve border tensions peacefully as China threw its weight behind humanitarian demining and unexploded ordnance (UXO) safety campaigns aimed at protecting displaced civilians returning home.

Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), said Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s priority is to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure peace. “The prime minister does not want war and does not want Cambodian people to die or be injured. His goal is to resolve conflicts peacefully and ensure that all Cambodians can live in peace and development,” Thuch said.

The outreach program in Siem Reap Province was joined by Fan Manjiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, who praised Cambodia–China cooperation and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for peacebuilding and mine action. He noted China’s role in facilitating the recent Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire and pledged continued backing for humanitarian clearance operations.

China’s assistance includes UXO risk education and clearance activities to safeguard communities from explosive remnants of war and enable safe resettlement. Thuch thanked China for its mediation role through the Fuxian Statement, saying expanded UXO awareness campaigns are now a national priority.

The program was held at displacement centers in Banteay Srei District, with participation from provincial authorities, local administrations, Chinese representatives and mine-action operators.