“Thailand-Cambodia Border War: U.S. and China Step In for Cease-Fire Negotiations”

Cease-Fire Negotiations Begin in Malaysia

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that American diplomats will participate in cease-fire talks between Thailand and Cambodia on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The negotiations come after a week of intense border clashes that have already left at least 35 people dead and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

Chinese officials are also expected to attend, highlighting the international urgency of the crisis.

Conflict Escalates Despite Talks

Despite the planned negotiations, fighting continued early Monday.

• Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported that Thai forces targeted two ancient temples claimed by both nations.

• Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thailand of using airstrikes and rockets in the early hours of the morning.

• Thai officials have not yet responded to these accusations.

Local residents described the violence as the most severe since the clashes began Thursday, with constant explosions heard near the disputed border areas.

Rising Civilian Toll

The death toll has already surpassed the last major conflict (2008–2011), when 34 people were killed.

• In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey Province, farmer Ly Nam, 38, said:

  “It’s two or three times worse than yesterday. I’m hiding in a trench. We don’t have enough food.”

• In Thailand’s Surin Province, local official Siriwut Wongcharoen reported heavy shelling while sheltering in a temple bunker.

Many Cambodians have fled to Siem Reap, home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex, where communities are holding prayer ceremonies for peace.

Trump Pushes for Peace With Trade Leverage

President Donald Trump confirmed he had spoken with leaders from both Thailand and Cambodia. He warned that the U.S. would halt trade negotiations unless the fighting stopped.

Trump has set an August 1 deadline for 12 nations, including both Cambodia and Thailand, to finalize trade agreements with the U.S. Otherwise, he plans to impose 36% tariffs on imports.

According to Rubio, the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation.

“We want this conflict to end as soon as possible,” Rubio said in Washington late Sunday.

China’s Role in the Talks

China will also take part in the cease-fire negotiations. The country is a major trade partner of both Thailand and Cambodia and has recently increased its involvement in regional conflict mediation.

• Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed China’s participation.

• Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi attended an earlier ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur this month.

Regional Balance of Power

The crisis highlights the delicate balance of alliances in Southeast Asia:

• Thailand is a long-time U.S. military ally, hosting regular joint exercises with American troops.

• Cambodia, on the other hand, hosts a China-backed naval base and often aligns diplomatically with Beijing.

Most Southeast Asian nations seek to maintain ties with both Washington and Beijing, avoiding taking sides in their growing rivalry.

Conclusion

The Thailand-Cambodia cease-fire talks in Kuala Lumpur mark a critical moment for peace in the region. With U.S. and Chinese diplomats involved, the negotiations could either end the bloodshed or deepen the rift if no agreement is reached.

For the civilians trapped in the crossfire, like Ly Nam in Cambodia and Siriwut Wongcharoen in Thailand, the hope is simple: a swift cease-fire and an end to the misery.