South East Asian bloc to meet in bid to end Thailand-Cambodia conflict
The deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which have claimed at least 41 lives and displaced nearly one million people, have prompted Southeast Asia's top diplomats to convene in Malaysia on Monday. The goal is to revive a ceasefire that was initially brokered in July by Malaysia, as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and US President Donald Trump.
This meeting marks the first time Thailand and Cambodia have engaged in negotiations since the resumption of hostilities on December 8. Both nations have exchanged blame for the renewed violence.
The conflict's origins can be traced back over a century, when the borders between the two countries were established following the French occupation of Cambodia. The recent clashes have involved artillery exchanges along the 800-kilometer border, with Thailand also conducting air strikes against Cambodian positions.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was present at the July ceasefire signing alongside Trump, expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming talks in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasized the importance of presenting facts and urging both parties to prioritize peace.
Cambodia has stated that the negotiations aim to restore peace, stability, and good neighborly relations, reiterating its stance that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means. Thailand, while acknowledging the meeting's significance, has set conditions for negotiations, including a ceasefire declaration from Cambodia and a 'genuine and sustained' ceasefire.
The United States and China have also been actively involved in mediating a new ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following a phone call with his Thai counterpart, expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement by Monday or Tuesday.
China's special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, visited Phnom Penh last week, reinforcing Beijing's commitment to facilitating dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand. This diplomatic effort comes as the region grapples with the consequences of prolonged conflict, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution to the Thailand-Cambodia dispute.
