When the world faces numerous conflicts and tensions, the search for peace becomes a complex task that requires both bilateral negotiations and support from the international stage. Cambodia has demonstrated its diplomatic prowess by using a global platform to strengthen its own internal security and peace.
This article will explain how the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, became a crucial venue for Cambodia to address the sensitive border issue with Thailand. This serves as evidence that lasting peace doesn’t just happen on the battlefield or at a single negotiating table, but is also the result of active diplomacy on the international stage.
1. The Context: A Conflict That Demands a Diplomatic Solution
Historically, the border between Cambodia and Thailand has always been a sensitive point, occasionally erupting into armed conflict. In July, a new armed conflict occurred, causing damage and hardship for people living along the border. Despite a ceasefire mechanism mediated by ASEAN and bilateral negotiations, the tension still required external guarantees and support to ensure the sustainability of peace.
This was the circumstance in which Cambodia employed its visionary diplomacy, not limiting itself to bilateral negotiations but elevating the issue to the global stage to seek support from key allies.
2. The SCO Summit: More Than Just a Meeting
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is one of the world’s most significant security and economic platforms, with a large influence on global affairs. Cambodia’s participation in this summit is a crucial event, demonstrating its growing role on the international stage.
For Cambodia, the summit was not just about participating in security discussions; it was a vital opportunity to meet with the leaders of a major power and strengthen bilateral relations. Such platforms allow leaders to discuss practical issues and achieve rapid, effective results.
3. From Tianjin to the Border: A Diplomatic Breakthrough
The most significant point of the SCO Summit for Cambodia was the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Hun Manet and President Xi Jinping. This meeting became a decisive factor in addressing the border issue.
During the meeting, the Chinese president pledged 20 million yuan in humanitarian aid (approximately US$2.8 million) to help the Cambodian people affected by the conflict. This aid demonstrated direct and swift support from one of Cambodia’s closest allies.
Furthermore, President Xi Jinping clearly affirmed China’s support for the ceasefire between the Cambodian and Thai armed forces, as well as support for the ASEAN ceasefire observation mechanism (AOT) led by Malaysia. This support was not a military intervention but a provision of diplomatic recognition and backing, which is of paramount importance in preventing the escalation of conflict.
4. Strategic Logic: A New Era of Diplomacy
The outcome of the meeting in Tianjin demonstrated a shift in Cambodia’s diplomatic mindset. Instead of relying solely on bilateral relations, Cambodia is now learning to use multilateral platforms to advance its national interests.
Peace along the border is not the result of just one negotiation; it is the result of continuous efforts to strengthen relationships with key allies. The fact that Cambodia received support from a major power like China in resolving a border issue is a critical factor that can make all parties involved more cautious and more likely to respect the ceasefire.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s journey from Tianjin to its border is a valuable lesson on the importance of active diplomacy. It has not only shown that Cambodia is becoming a significant player on the international stage but also confirmed that true peace is the result of strategic efforts that transcend national borders. The clever diplomacy in Tianjin brought peace and tangible assistance to the Cambodian people, a vivid example of the link between global security and domestic peace.
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