The trilateral meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (centre), Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (left) and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Dec 29. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PHNOM PENH: China has said it is attempting to mediate in the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand using what it called the "Asian way”.
This, it said, is based on a non-competitive and non-hegemonic approach, and affirms that it is a responsible major power.
The announcement was made by a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (Dec 30), following meetings hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on Dec 28-29.
The Facebook page of the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that following the Shanghai meeting in July, the Anning Consensus in August and the China-Cambodia-Thailand meeting, the consensus near Fuxian Lake in Yunnan province this week once again demonstrated China’s role as a benign and effective facilitator.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that these events also demonstrate a "non-disruptive, non-competitive, and non-hegemonic approach to conflict resolution, reflecting China’s image as a responsible major country”.
The spokesperson’s Facebook page said: "China will continue to make efforts in its own way to safeguard regional peace and stability and advance the building of a community with a shared future with our neighbours."
A press release issued on DeC 29 regarding the trilateral meeting this week highlighted the same position.
The press release regarding the Fuxian meeting stated: "In the spirit of the Anning results, China will continue to play a constructive role in facilitating the rebuilding of trust and the achievement of lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand via the Asian way, with the objective of building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries." - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
