Beijing: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Cambodian and Thai counterparts, Prak Sokhonn and Sihasak Phuangketkeow, in Yunnan Province. The meeting focused on the recent ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, aimed at resolving tensions along their disputed border.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wang Yi expressed China's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Cambodia to support displaced individuals in border regions. He emphasized the importance of a phased approach to a lasting ceasefire, urging both nations to restore trust and stabilize bilateral relations. China reiterated its support for ASEAN's role in monitoring the ceasefire and offered assistance to its observation mission.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn acknowledged China's significant role in facilitating the ceasefire. As reported by Agence Kampuchea Presse, Sokhonn highlighted the necessity of China's continued support for a peaceful resolution, essential for achieving sustained peace.

During discussions with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the Thai government appreciated China's efforts in fostering peace. A statement from Thailand's Foreign Ministry indicated that the Thai government would consider releasing 18 Cambodian prisoners of war, contingent on Cambodia's cooperation in facilitating the return of Thai citizens along the border.

The recent ceasefire, signed on Saturday, concluded nearly 20 days of hostilities that resulted in numerous casualties and displaced almost a million civilians. The conflict, which reignited on December 8, resulted in the deaths of 99 individuals, including Thai soldiers and civilians, as well as Cambodian civilians, according to Thai and Cambodian authorities.

The truce reaffirms both nations' commitment to a previous ceasefire agreement from July, which was brokered by the US, China, and Malaysia. That agreement had initially ended five days of fighting, resulting in a formal agreement in October but collapsed in early December.

In a separate development, the Chinese government dispatched an initial shipment of emergency aid to Cambodia, including essential supplies such as tents, blankets, and foodstuffs. The aid arrived in Phnom Penh on Sunday, as reported by Global Times, citing the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia.

Furthermore, the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, led by President Casey Barnett, extended aid to 541 Cambodian families affected by the border conflict, as stated on social media platform X.