Thai and Cambodian Prime Ministers to Meet in Shanghai: China Aims to Broker Ceasefire

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Qian, Hong Kong, 15th) The prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia will soon travel to Shanghai to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference and the High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance. Analysts suggest that China may seize this opportunity to facilitate a bilateral or trilateral meeting between the two leaders to resolve the border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

Today's Ming Pao reports that the conference is scheduled to open on the 17th. Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech—an unprecedented move in the eight-year history of the AI conference—highlighting Beijing's high-level commitment to global AI development and governance.

Another key highlight of the event is the attendance of Thai Prime Minister Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. If China successfully brokers a meeting between the two leaders—or even a trilateral summit—it could bring an end to the border conflict, achieving a significant diplomatic milestone and showcasing China's international influence and its role as a promoter of peace and dialogue.

Last July, Thailand and Cambodia clashed over territorial disputes, resulting in dozens of military and civilian casualties on both sides.

By late October, under the witness of U.S. President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, Anutin and Hun Manet signed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement during the ASEAN Summit, temporarily halting hostilities. However, fighting resumed shortly after and continued until the end of December.

Beijing maintains strong relations with both countries and is wary of U.S. involvement in regional affairs. Last year, Chinese special envoys made at least four shuttle visits, ultimately securing a ceasefire by year-end. China also arranged a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Yuxi, Yunnan, followed by a trilateral discussion including Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers have since “highly praised China’s constructive role in de-escalating the conflict, calming tensions, and promoting dialogue.”

In April this year, Wang Yi visited three ASEAN nations, further mediating the border dispute and receiving positive responses. Nevertheless, sporadic clashes continue, including landmine explosions, drone incursions, and small-scale gunfire.

With both prime ministers now invited to Shanghai, there is a strong possibility that China could facilitate a meeting—or even a trilateral summit—to solidify the ceasefire and end the border standoff.

Analysts believe that if China succeeds in brokering a lasting ceasefire, it would not only contribute to regional peace but also reinforce China’s image as a “peaceful major power,” demonstrating the practical application of President Xi’s “Global Security Initiative,” which advocates “resolving international disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation in a peaceful manner, and supporting all efforts conducive to peaceful crisis resolution.” (Editor: Zhou Huiying) 1150715