Picture courtesy: Facebook Chinese Embassy Bangkok

 

In a fresh twist on the Thai-Cambodian border tension, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand has addressed concerns over reported clashes involving Chinese-made weapons. During a press briefing on Wednesday, December 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China responded to queries about the situation, stating that China's defence ties with both nations are non-threatening and unrelated to these conflicts. The statement came after reports surfaced of Thai troops seizing military gear, including Chinese anti-tank missiles, from Cambodian forces.

 

Background chatter intensified following a post from the Army Military Force Facebook page. On Monday, December 15, it detailed Thai troops reclaiming Hill 500 and confiscating a significant cache of Chinese-made weapons from Cambodian soldiers. Items reportedly included 82mm projected grenades used with China’s Type 65 or Type 65-1 recoilless grenade launchers, raising eyebrows regarding China's involvement.

 

Experts and diplomats noanalyse China's defencece relationship with the two countries. China reiterated that its military cooperation with Thailand and Cambodia isn’t directed against any other nation. This assurance is pivotal, as ASEAN neighbours strive to manage local tensions while maintaining strong international ties.

 

As tensions at the border persist, the focus is on diplomatic discussions to ease the situation. Observers are keen to see if China's neutral stance might influence relations in a region where geopolitical interests are delicately balanced. Future diplomatic engagements may reveal more about China's role and intentions in the ongoing conflict, reported The Nation.

 

Key Takeaways:

• China asserts that its defence activities with Thailand and Cambodia are non-aggressive.
• Thai troops reportedly seized Chinese weapons from Cambodian forces.
• Observers are closely watching how this affects regional diplomacy.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-18

 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

China responded to queries about the situation, stating that China's defence ties with both nations are non-threatening and unrelated to these conflicts.

The problem with this is that defence weapons can be and are used as offensive weapons as well, But then, did anyone expect China to claim they are suppliers of offensive weapons. 

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

China reiterated that its military cooperation with Thailand and Cambodia isn’t directed against any other nation.

There is some truth in this section. In that I assume China did not sell the weapons recently for this specific conflict, rather they sold them to Cambodia and did not ask how they would be used. My guess is that Cambodia initially bought them to kill their own people. But now opportunity has allowed them to use the weapons against Thailand. 

I wonder how many weapons Thailand has and is using against Cambodia as well. Since China does not care who they sell their weapons to and Thailand has a history of getting Chinese made weapons previously. 

Of course China supplies Cambodia...

12 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Of course China supplies Cambodia...

 

And where you think Thailand gets its weapons from?

6 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

And where you think Thailand gets its weapons from?

 

ALiExpress ?

 

So how about Thailand using American-made F16 fighter jets? A bit silly to single out China for Cambodia's use of Chinese-made weapons!

5 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

And where you think Thailand gets its weapons from?

China, United States, South Korea, France, and Japan who are also significant providers, supplying various equipment, from aircraft to naval vessels. Other key suppliers include Germany, Israel, Italy, and Russia,

to name a few

7 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

China, United States, South Korea, France, and Japan who are also significant providers, supplying various equipment, from aircraft to naval vessels. Other key suppliers include Germany, Israel, Italy, and Russia,

to name a few

The military supply industry will sell to whoever possible and they make a killing off it.

5 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

 

ALiExpress ?

 

More like Lazada....🤑

3 minutes ago, novacova said:

The military supply industry will sell to whoever possible and they make a killing off it.

Foreign military sales in the usa system is a huge part of the America defense company  complex.  I still work in the industry..since 1982.  Many systems and vehicles...ground, radars, aircraft, etc...look at the jsf f35. Fms might be one of their biggest income sources. Over 3 billion so far I think

15 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

China, United States, South Korea, France, and Japan who are also significant providers, supplying various equipment, from aircraft to naval vessels. Other key suppliers include Germany, Israel, Italy, and Russia,

to name a few

 

So strange that you conveniently forgot to mention their MAJOR arms supplier, China

 

Business is Business...!

10 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

And where you think Thailand gets its weapons from?

 

I know where it gets its submarines from ...

14 hours ago, CallumWK said:

So strange that you conveniently forgot to mention their MAJOR arms supplier, China

Read my post again... it was the first country I mentioned

9 hours ago, BusyB said:

 

I know where it gets its submarines from ...

Eventually