China Urges Restraint as Thailand and Cambodia Border Tensions Flare

China has publicly called for calm between Thailand and Cambodia. The appeal follows a recent escalation of tensions along the two Southeast Asian nations' shared border. In an official statement, China urged both countries to "observe the ceasefire agreement, exercise maximum restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue." The message emphasizes diplomatic solutions over continued military engagement. The long-standing border dispute involves areas around the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Periodic clashes have occurred there for decades, despite a 2011 International Court of Justice ruling. Regional stability is a key priority for China. As a major power and neighbor, it frequently encourages peaceful negotiation to resolve conflicts in Southeast Asia. Neither Thailand nor Cambodia has yet issued a direct public response to China's latest diplomatic intervention.