Malaysia: Senior diplomats from Southeast Asia have convened in Malaysia, in an effort to halt escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia that have left at least 41 people dead and forced nearly one million others from their homes.
The talks, held in Kuala Lumpur, aimed to revive a ceasefire brokered in July by Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the involvement of US President Donald Trump. It marked the first face-to-face meeting between Thai and Cambodian officials since fighting resumed on December 8, with both sides accusing each other of reigniting hostilities.
The long-running dispute dates back more than a century to the colonial-era demarcation of borders following the French occupation of Cambodia. However, the latest round of violence has been particularly intense, involving artillery exchanges along the 800-kilometre shared frontier, as well as Thai air strikes targeting Cambodian positions.
Speaking after the meeting, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said military officials from both countries were scheduled to meet on December 24, stressing that such talks were a prerequisite for any ceasefire agreement. Bangkok reiterated its stance that Cambodia must first declare a ceasefire and demonstrate a genuine and sustained commitment to peace.
Cambodia, for its part, said the discussions were intended to restore peace, stability and good neighbourly relations, reaffirming that the disputes should be resolved through peaceful means.
The conflict represents the most serious confrontation between ASEAN member states since the bloc’s founding in 1967, raising concerns over the organisation’s ability to manage regional security crises. In his opening remarks, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged both sides and fellow ASEAN members to treat the issue with urgency, warning of the broader consequences of continued escalation for the region’s people.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who presided over the July ceasefire signing alongside President Trump, said he was cautiously optimistic ahead of the talks.
Beyond Asean, both the United States and China have stepped up mediation efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after speaking with his Thai counterpart that he hoped a new ceasefire could be reached within days. China’s special envoy for Asian affairs, Deng Xijun, visited Phnom Penh last week, with Beijing pledging to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China had been mediating the conflict since fighting resumed earlier this month and would release further details of its efforts in due course.
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