YUNNAN, CHINA โ On December 28, 2025, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a high-level bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, H.E. Wang Yi.
This meeting, set against the backdrop of the rugged Yunnan landscape, underscores the deep-rooted solidarity between the two nations and China’s expanding role as a stabilizer in Southeast Asia.
The Peace Dividend: China’s Role in the Border Ceasefire
The core of the discussions focused on the fragile Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, which went into effect on December 26.
- Mediation Efforts: H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed profound gratitude for China’s “active and constructive” mediation, which included shuttle diplomacy and hosting these trilateral talks.
- Humanitarian Support: In a significant show of support, Minister Wang Yi pledged 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid. The first batchโincluding tents, blankets, and foodโarrived in Cambodia today to assist the nearly 1 million civilians displaced by the recent border clashes.
- The Way Forward: Both ministers agreed that the ceasefire is merely the first step. They emphasized that long-term peace requires “dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect” to rebuild trust between Phnom Penh and Bangkok.
Strengthening the ‘Diamond Hexagon’ Cooperation
Beyond the border crisis, the ministers reviewed the steady progress of the Cambodia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:
- Ironclad Solidarity: Reaffirmed the “all-weather” community with a shared future.
- Economic Co-Creation: Discussed the continued synergy between Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy and Chinaโs Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Sovereignty: Cambodia reaffirmed its firm adherence to the One-China Principle, while China pledged continued support for Cambodiaโs independent development path.