Shanghai: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their ongoing border dispute through dialogue. This appeal came during separate meetings with the leaders of both countries in Shanghai, marking the first such discussions since deadly clashes erupted last year.
According to Anadolu Agency, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet were in Shanghai for the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, alongside official visits to China. During his talks with Anutin, Xi emphasized the need for stronger strategic trust and cooperation between China and Thailand. He suggested that collaboration between the two nations would help address shared challenges and promote peace, stability, and development in the region, as cited by China's Foreign Ministry.
Xi highlighted the peaceful resolution of the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute as being in the "common and long-term interests" of both countries, expressing hope for a settlement through dialogue and consultation. "China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard," Xi stated. Anutin reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to enhancing ties with China, focusing on areas such as trade, investment, high technology, connectivity, combating online gambling and telecommunications fraud, and governance concerning artificial intelligence. He also expressed Bangkok's dedication to a peaceful resolution with Cambodia.
In a separate meeting with Hun Manet, Xi advocated for closer strategic coordination and cooperation under the China-Cambodia Diamond Hexagon framework. He also called for enhanced collaboration against cross-border crimes, including telecommunications fraud. Xi reiterated the importance of consolidating the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand and building mutual trust for the "fundamental and long-term interests" of both nations. He assured continued support from China in resolving the dispute through dialogue and negotiations.
Hun Manet expressed Cambodia's readiness to deepen political trust with China, expand trade and infrastructure cooperation, and bolster efforts to combat telecommunications fraud. He thanked China for its support in peace efforts and confirmed Cambodia's commitment to resolving tensions with Thailand through dialogue and negotiation. The border between Thailand and Cambodia currently remains calm.