Chinese President Xi Jinping dismissed US President Donald Trump’s assertion that China played no role in promoting peace between Cambodia and Thailand. According to a report from the South China Morning Post, Xi stated during their summit in Busan that Beijing had in fact been assisting both Southeast Asian nations in resolving their border dispute “in our own way”. Xi framed China’s actions as part of its ongoing diplomatic efforts and made it clear that China has been quietly involved in the regional peace process for some time.
During the same meeting, Xi acknowledged Trump’s role in brokering the recent Gaza ceasefire, praising the US President’s “contribution” to the agreement. However, Xi did not hesitate to correct Trump on the Southeast Asia issue, emphasizing that China was not absent in the matter and instead has been actively working behind the scenes. His comments came as China continues to project itself as a major power shaping regional security, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it has strong political, economic, and strategic interests.
Reports indicate that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had previously held confidential talks with officials from Cambodia and Thailand when tensions between the two countries escalated. These diplomatic efforts were aimed at preventing further conflict and encouraging dialogue. By highlighting these interventions, Beijing underlined its intent to remain a key influencer in regional matters, reinforcing China's message that it will not step back when it comes to maintaining stability in its neighborhood.
Trump, meanwhile, has sought to claim responsibility for facilitating what he described as a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. The signing ceremony took place during his Asia tour, and he labeled the agreement "historic" and "monumental". However, Thai officials refrained from calling it a peace deal. Thailand’s foreign minister instead described the document as merely a “pathway to peace”, suggesting that significant work still remains for the conflict to be fully resolved. This indicates that the deal primarily lays out preliminary steps rather than final resolutions.
The agreement announced includes commitments from both countries to reduce tensions by withdrawing heavy weaponry, jointly clearing land mines, and creating mechanisms to mark disputed sections of the border. According to international reports, the document is titled a “Joint Declaration of Relations between Thailand and Cambodia” rather than a formal peace treaty. This distinction highlights that the process is still in the early stages and is focused on confidence-building rather than concluding the dispute.
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending multiple international conflicts during his second term and has hinted at aspirations for recognition, such as the Nobel Peace Prize. He has now shifted focus toward trying to mediate the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, promising a swift resolution. Meanwhile, negotiations between Kabul and Islamabad continue in Istanbul, with Qatar and Turkiye acting as mediators after two previous rounds of discussions failed to produce a breakthrough.
