Thailand has expressed confidence that China will maintain a neutral position amid ongoing tensions with Cambodia, following Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s visit to Beijing. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Saturday 27 June 2926, that Cambodia’s engagement with China was a normal part of bilateral relations and insisted Beijing had not taken sides in the dispute between the neighbouring countries. He said he believed China understood how it should position itself and would avoid any action that could worsen the conflict. “I believe China knows how it should position itself. Bilateral relations between China and Cambodia are normal, but China also knows it should avoid doing anything that could affect the conflict,” Sihasak said. The foreign minister also urged the public not to overreact to reports originating from Cambodia, warning that some information was being released to reinforce Cambodia’s own narrative. “Don’t be swayed by every report. Some of the news comes from Cambodia and is intended to favour its own position,” he said. Responding to reports that Cambodia was seeking to purchase ammunition from China, Sihasak said such defence cooperation had already been agreed previously and was not connected to the current dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. He added that China had long-standing interests in Cambodia, including military cooperation and facilities, but said these should not be interpreted as support for either side in the dispute. “China has interests in Cambodia, including existing cooperation such as military facilities, but that should not affect the Thailand-Cambodia situation or signal support for either side. I believe China understands this well,” he said. Khaosod reported that Sihasak also confirmed that the compulsory conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) would continue as planned. He said Thailand would assess any outcome according to whether it was fair and consistent with the country’s national interests. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 29 June 2026
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