KUALA LUMPUR – China and the United States are stepping up separate diplomatic efforts to push Thailand and Cambodia back to a ceasefire as Asean foreign ministers prepare for a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Monday to address the escalating border conflict.
The renewed fighting is the worst between the neighbours in recent years, killing around 60 people and forcing more than half a million from their homes since clashes flared again last week, breaking a July truce.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Bangkok to de-escalate in talks with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said both Thailand and Cambodia had indicated willingness to ease tensions.
Beijing warned the violence, which has spread from inland regions near Laos to coastal areas, could undermine Asean unity, and has sent a special envoy to both capitals.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as Asean chair, said he is cautiously optimistic ahead of Monday’s meeting, which will mark the first direct engagement between both governments since hostilities resumed on Dec 8.
Both sides accuse each other of triggering the collapse of the ceasefire. Thailand says Cambodia recently laid landmines that injured a Thai soldier, which Phnom Penh denies, insisting it is acting in self-defence as heavy exchanges continue along parts of the 817km border. – December 19, 2025