China Urges Cambodia, Thailand to Show Restraint After Border Clash

BEIJING,China (Nov.14,2025) — China on Thursday urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue after a border incident that left Cambodian civilians dead and injured.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing was closely monitoring developments related to the implementation of a Joint Statement signed by the two countries. He made the remarks at a daily press briefing on Nov. 13.

Asked by Shenzhen TV about reports that Thai soldiers opened fire in Banteay Meanchey province, Jian said China “strongly hopes that both sides can exercise restraint, work in the same direction, engage in friendly dialogue through existing bilateral mechanisms, and seek a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible.”

He added that preventing any escalation was essential and said China would continue to play a “constructive role” in reducing friction between the neighbors.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said China’s diplomatic efforts, though understated, have helped ease tensions. “China has always supported Cambodia’s pursuit of peaceful settlement through bilateral and international mechanisms,” he said.

Mengdavid noted that China’s endorsement of a Malaysia-facilitated ceasefire reflects its interest in regional stability. “If the conflict continues too long, it could disrupt trade flows and regional supply chains,” he warned.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin wrote on Facebook that China was the first and largest provider of assistance to Cambodia following the clashes. “China has been and always will be a reliable partner of Cambodia,” he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump in October that Beijing has been actively working to promote peace between Cambodia and Thailand since border clashes first erupted.

Xi said China has supported both countries in resolving disputes and advancing regional stability.

“China has been helping, in its own way, both countries to settle their border disputes, and has also been promoting peace talks to resolve other hotspot issues,” Xi said during a bilateral exchange at the APEC Economic Leaders Week in Gyeongju.

Xi praised Trump’s role in the Oct. 26 signing of the Cambodia–Thailand Peace Accord in Kuala Lumpur, calling his participation a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to peace in Southeast Asia. He also acknowledged Trump’s contribution to the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement.