AKP Phnom Penh, December 25, 2025 -- Special Envoy for Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Deng Xijun expressed hope that Cambodia and Thailand will strive to restore mutual trust, and rebuild peace at the border.

This statement was released today after H.E. Deng Xijun concluded his shuttle-diplomacy trip to both nations, which took place from Dec. 18 to 23, 2025. 

H.E. Deng Xijun emphasised that China closely follows the current situation on the Cambodia-Thailand border. He expressed deep sadness over the casualties and displacement caused by the conflict, extending sincere condolences to both sides.

The Special Envoy underscored that the immediate priority is to achieve a ceasefire and end the conflict as soon as possible, resume dialogue, and resolve the border dispute through peaceful means. 

China reaffirmed its support for ASEAN's mediation efforts and the important role of the ASEAN observer team in monitoring the ceasefire, he added.

“China is willing to once again create conditions and provide a platform for dialogue and negotiations between the two sides. China hopes that both Cambodia and Thailand will work in the same direction, strive to restore mutual trust, and rebuild peace at the border,” he underlined. 

According to the statement, both Cambodia and Thailand expressed gratitude to China for its continued efforts to encourage peace talks in a manner acceptable to all parties. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace and expressed hope for a sustainable ceasefire. Both sides also expressed their willingness to maintain close communication with China, work together to de-escalate tensions, and restore peace and stability in the Cambodia-Thailand border area at an early date.

The conflict, which intensified following renewed military operations on Dec. 7, 2025, has seen indiscriminate aerial bombardments and heavy shelling of civilian areas. As of this morning, official reports confirm that 30 innocent Cambodian civilians have been killed and 88 others injured, while almost 640,000 people, including over 203,000 children had been forced to flee their homes for safety, as of this morning.

By Heng Panha