Full Breakdown
Xi Jinping Urges Thailand and Cambodia to Resolve Border Dispute Through Dialogue
7/18/2026, 8:48:09 PM
Core Appeal at Shanghai AI Conference
On 17 July 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met separately with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Shanghai during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. Xi emphasized that a peaceful settlement of the long-standing border dispute was in the “common and long-term interests” of both nations and pledged that China would continue to play a “constructive role” in facilitating dialogue.
Recent Violence and Ceasefire Background
The territorial clash, centered on an ancient temple complex, erupted into the deadliest fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in more than a decade last year, leaving over 100 military and civilian deaths and hundreds injured. A ceasefire brokered in December 2025 has largely held, though each side has accused the other of occasional breaches.
Official Statements & Responses
Xi’s remarks, conveyed through China’s Foreign Ministry, called for “stronger strategic trust and cooperation” between China and Thailand and highlighted the “China-Cambodia Diamond Hexagon framework” as a basis for deeper coordination. Anutin affirmed Thailand’s commitment to expanding trade, investment, high-technology cooperation, and to a “peaceful resolution” of the border issue. Hun Manet echoed a readiness to deepen political trust with China, expand infrastructure projects, and combat cross-border crimes, while reiterating Cambodia’s dedication to resolving tensions with Thailand through dialogue and negotiation. Both leaders described the border as currently calm.
Verbatim Quotes
- “common and long-term interests” — Xi Jinping, President of China
- “China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard,” — Xi Jinping, President of China
- “committed to a peaceful resolution” — Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand
- “He also thanked China for supporting peace efforts and said Cambodia remained committed to resolving tensions with Thailand through dialogue and negotiation.” — Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia
These statements underscore China’s diplomatic push for a negotiated settlement and the expressed willingness of Thailand and Cambodia to pursue dialogue under Beijing’s facilitation.
