PRESIDENT TINUBU'S MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE AND HER FAMILY. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.
Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia began two days of talks in China on Sunday as Beijing moved to deepen its role in easing tensions following a newly signed ceasefire aimed at ending weeks of deadly border fighting. The agreement, finalized Saturday, seeks to halt clashes along the long-disputed frontier that have killed more than 100 people and forced more than half a million civilians on both sides to flee their homes. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn traveled to China’s southwestern Yunnan province for meetings mediated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with discussions focused on enforcing the ceasefire, stabilizing the front lines, and laying the groundwork for a lasting peace. The truce includes a 72-hour observation period and a provision requiring Thailand to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers captured during fighting in July, a key demand from Phnom Penh. China welcomed the ceasefire, saying it would continue to provide a platform for more detailed communication and coordination between the two neighbors.
China’s involvement comes as part of a broader diplomatic push to position itself as a central mediator, alongside efforts by the United States and Malaysia. A previous ceasefire brokered in July collapsed despite international pressure, including warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump that trade privileges could be withdrawn if hostilities continued. Since then, propaganda battles and sporadic violence persisted, culminating in renewed heavy fighting earlier this month. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn praised China’s “vital role” in supporting the latest ceasefire following talks with Wang, while Beijing announced 20 million yuan in emergency humanitarian aid to assist displaced Cambodians, with the first shipment of food, tents, and blankets arriving Sunday. Sihasak said Thailand hopes China will not only support enforcement of the ceasefire but also send a clear signal discouraging any renewed conflict, stressing that Bangkok views Beijing as a constructive partner in ensuring the truce holds and regional stability is restored.
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