Cambodia, China Reaffirm “Ironclad” Ties During Talks on Border Dispute

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 19, 2025) — Cambodia and China reaffirmed their “ironclad” friendship during a phone call between Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, officials said.

The two agreed to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership and advance development of what they described as an “all‑weather Cambodia‑China community with a shared future in the new era.”

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including ongoing border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

China’s state‑run Xinhua News Agency reported that Wang held a separate call Thursday with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

Wang said China, as a close neighbor and friend to both countries, did not want to see the dispute escalate into armed confrontation. He said Beijing was deeply saddened by civilian casualties caused by the fighting.

He warned the current clashes were more intense than previous incidents and said continued violence would harm both sides while undermining unity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“The top priority is to make a prompt decision to cease fire, reduce losses and rebuild mutual trust,” Wang said.

China has consistently supported dialogue and maintained what Wang described as a fair and impartial position on the border dispute while backing ASEAN mediation efforts.

Wang said a Chinese Foreign Ministry special envoy for Asian affairs had traveled to Cambodia and Thailand to conduct shuttle diplomacy and that Beijing would continue to play a bridging role in efforts to restore peace.

He also called on both governments to ensure the safety of Chinese projects and personnel and urged vigilance against what he described as false information that could damage China’s relations with the two countries.