China to Send Special Envoy to Cambodia and Thailand to Push for De-escalation

BEIJING (Dec. 17, 2025) — China has stepped up its involvement in efforts to ease border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, announcing Wednesday that its Special Envoy for Asian Affairs will again travel to both countries in a shuttle-diplomacy mission aimed at restoring peace.

“As a close neighbor and friend of Cambodia and Thailand, China closely follows the ongoing border conflict between the two countries,” the Foreign Ministry said, adding that Beijing has been actively promoting de-escalation through diplomatic engagement.

At a regular press briefing, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged both sides to “exercise maximum restraint” and take concrete steps to halt the fighting.

He said China would continue to promote dialogue and play a constructive role in supporting efforts to achieve a ceasefire.

China’s ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wenbin, echoed those remarks, stressing that the immediate priority was to stop the violence and protect civilians.

Political analyst Kin Phea said Cambodia valued China’s support, calling it “timely and vital” for safeguarding sovereignty and stability.

He described relations between the two countries as an “all-weather community with a shared future.”

Cambodia has accused Thailand of escalating the conflict, alleging that Thai forces carried out deep strikes inside Cambodian territory that killed civilians and damaged historical and cultural sites.

Phnom Penh has called on Bangkok to cease what it described as aggressive actions and to respect international humanitarian law.

Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thai F-16 fighter jets, drones and heavy artillery were used in attacks on civilian areas. She said 17 civilians, including an infant, were killed and 77 others injured as of Dec. 16.

Socheata reiterated that Cambodian military actions were limited to self-defense and directed solely at Thai military targets, denying allegations that Cambodian forces had targeted civilians.

She accused Thai forces of deliberately striking civilian communities and deploying large numbers of troops inside Cambodian territory, actions she said violated the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and international law.

The Defence Ministry called on Thailand to immediately halt military operations, stop spreading what it termed false information, and withdraw its forces from Cambodian territory.

It also urged the international community to condemn alleged violations of existing agreements and international law.