China fills the Trump gap: Beijing hosts top diplomats of Thailand, Cambodia for peace talks

Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia began two days of talks in China on Sunday as Beijing seeks to strengthen its role in mediating their long-running border dispute, following the signing of a new ceasefire on Saturday.

The agreement calls for a halt to weeks of fighting along the contested border, which has claimed over 100 lives and displaced more than half a million people in both countries.

Ceasefire and diplomacy in Yunnan

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met in China’s Yunnan province, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi mediating the discussions. Wang was scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with each diplomat and a trilateral session on Monday.

The talks aim to ensure a sustained ceasefire and promote lasting peace, according to Sihasak’s office. China welcomed the ceasefire, which freezes frontline positions and allows displaced civilians to return home.

“China stands ready to continue providing a platform and creating conditions for Cambodia and Thailand to have fuller and more detailed communication,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

In addition to mediation, China announced 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid for Cambodia, including food, tents, and blankets. The first batch of aid arrived in Cambodia on Sunday, according to Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin.

Prak Sokhonn expressed appreciation for China’s “vital role” in supporting the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Sihasak said Thailand sees China not just as a mediator but as a constructive actor to ensure the ceasefire holds and to signal Cambodia against reviving or escalating conflict.

Trump’s earlier so-called intervention amid ongoing tensions

China also appeared to take a subtle swipe at US President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the border clash. In July, a ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia under pressure from Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges if Thailand and Cambodia did not comply.

Despite these agreements, minor cross-border clashes continued, escalating into heavy fighting in early December. Trump posted on social media from Mar-a-Lago, claiming that the conflict would “stop momentarily” and calling the US “the REAL United Nations.” He congratulated the leaders of both countries for reaching a “rapid and very fair conclusion.”

The latest ceasefire includes a 72-hour observation period. Thailand has agreed to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July, a key demand from Cambodia.

The China-mediated talks are expected to focus on maintaining the ceasefire, fostering direct communication, and preventing renewed fighting along the border.