• China hosts trilateral talks to strengthen a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
• Recent fighting led to over 100 deaths and massive displacement on both sides.
• The ceasefire aims to build lasting peace and restore stability along the border.

China is facilitating trilateral discussions with the foreign ministers of Thailand and Cambodia in Yunnan, aimed at reinforcing a newly agreed ceasefire between the two nations. This meeting, which occurs following weeks of intense border fighting that resulted in significant casualties and displacement, is a strategic move by Beijing to cement its role as a mediator in Southeast Asian conflicts. The latest ceasefire was announced on a Saturday, halting clashes that have left at least 101 people dead and more than half a million displaced, according to SCMP and Reuters.

The talks, which began on December 28, involve Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi mediating. Wang emphasized the necessity for both countries to "promote a complete and lasting ceasefire," alongside efforts to restore mutual trust and rebuild diplomatic ties. In support of these negotiations, China has expressed its commitment to provide humanitarian aid to help settle displaced individuals affected by the conflict, as reported by Channel News Asia and Reuters.

China’s foreign ministry has declared its readiness to facilitate more comprehensive discussions between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as support de-escalation efforts. This follows intense military and propaganda skirmishes between the two nations, which have historically struggled over territorial disputes, leading to fluctuations in ceasefire agreements. Notably, a previous ceasefire attempted in July was repeatedly violated, prompting renewed calls for effective mediation, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.