FILE PHOTO: The International Committee of the Red Cross visited Cambodian prisoners of war in Thailand on Sept. 5, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn told a press conference that the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers will be released after noon on 30 December. - The Nation/ANN
PHNOM PENH: China has welcomed the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting signed between Cambodia and Thailand on 27 December 2025, urging both sides to consolidate the ceasefire, return to normal exchanges and rebuild political trust to improve bilateral relations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a two-day meeting between the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, alongside senior Chinese military officials, at Fuxian Lake in Yunnan province. The talks concluded on 29 December.
According to a press release, the 27 December GBC joint statement sent out a positive signal seen as conducive to the peace and stability of the region, fully demonstrating that dialogue and consultation are practical and effective ways to resolve complex disputes.
“The immediate priority is to consolidate the ceasefire and ensure full and effective implementation of the Joint Statement. China supports the commitment of Cambodia and Thailand in this regard through mutual efforts with a view to ensuring that it is comprehensive and lasting, and laying the foundation for rebuilding peace.
“In this connection, the three sides support the Joint Boundary Commission in accordance with the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting on 27 December 2025,” the press release said.
It added that China is ready to provide all necessary support to Cambodia and Thailand in advancing humanitarian de-mining through the Joint Coordinating Task Force and bilateral arrangements, and to provide substantive assistance for the Asean Observer Team (AOT) to ensure its effective functioning.
The Chinese military will maintain contact with the Cambodian and Thai militaries to provide support for the consolidation of the ceasefire when necessary and upon request by both Cambodia and Thailand.
It said China is also willing to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to support the needs of displaced people in the affected border areas. China encourages Cambodia and Thailand to create conditions for resuming normal diplomatic relations step by step. It is willing to provide a platform, when necessary, for the two sides to conduct more comprehensive and effective communication.
According to the release, Cambodia and Thailand have expressed their commitment to settling disputes by peaceful means and making concerted efforts with regional countries to address common risks and challenges, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia.
Both countries will take more effective measures to combat transboundary crimes, such as online scams, to protect the lives and property of people in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn told a press conference that Cambodia is working towards restoring relations with Thailand to their state before the start of the conflict.
He added that the 18 captured Cambodian soldiers will be released after noon on 30 December as Cambodia will “resolutely respect” the ceasefire.
“Tomorrow at 12pm marks the end of the 72-hour ultimatum. I asked my Thai counterpart if the International Committee of the Red Cross is aware of their release and he said they are. So we are ready to welcome them home, and we hope there will be no problems from now until noon of 30 December,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
