Beijing as Mediator: Chinese Special Envoy in Phnom Penh to Ease Cambodia-Thailand Tensions

China has dispatched a special envoy to Phnom Penh in a bid to help de-escalate mounting tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, where recent border clashes have alarmed the region. His Excellency Deng Xijun, Special Envoy for Asian Affairs from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Cambodia on December 19 to undertake sensitive diplomatic talks aimed at restoring peace and reviving political dialogue between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

Deng Xijun

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

During his visit, Deng met with Prime Minister Hun Manet, as well as senior Cambodian officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Tea Seiha, and General Mao Sophan, Commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

The engagements underscored a mutual call for an immediate ceasefire and stressed that political dialogue remains the only sustainable path to resolve the disputes. Cambodian leaders reaffirmed their commitment to existing bilateral mechanisms — such as the joint border commission and military cooperation frameworks — as essential reference points for achieving a “just, durable settlement in line with international law.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his personal involvement in efforts to calm tensions and support regional stability.

China Offers Constructive Partnership

The Chinese envoy highlighted Beijing’s role as a constructive facilitator and trusted partner to both Cambodia and Thailand, pledging continued support in fostering mutual trust and backing diplomatic initiatives to revive border talks. “China remains fully prepared to contribute to peace efforts and support communities affected by the conflict,” Deng said, stressing the importance of lasting stability across Indochina.

Signal to Regional Diplomacy

Observers say the mission fits China’s pattern of proactive engagement with ASEAN on peacefully resolving territorial disputes. Phnom Penh welcomed the mediation effort, noting that it could help restore peace, stability, and shared prosperity between the two countries — long bound by history, culture, and geography.

Prime Minister Hun Manet also acknowledged humanitarian aid from China to civilians displaced by the recent clashes, expressing hope that the mediation will lead to durable peace.