China Calls for Restraint as Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Deep Strikes, Civilian Harm

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 16, 2025) — China urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint and de escalate border clashes, as Phnom Penh accused Thai forces of mounting deep strikes into its territory that killed civilians and damaged cultural sites.

At a regular briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing hoped both sides would “exercise maximum restraint” and take steps to halt the fighting.

He pledged China would continue to promote dialogue and play what he called a constructive role in supporting efforts to achieve a cease fire.

China’s ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wenbin, echoed those remarks, saying 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.”

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thai F 16 jets and artillery had struck civilian and historical sites, demanding Bangkok cease “all aggressive actions” and respect humanitarian law.

She urged the international community to condemn alleged violations of the cease fire.

Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to the Oct. 26 Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, signed in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN chair, and said its forces remain engaged in defending territorial integrity.