KUALA LUMPUR: China has welcomed the progress made by Cambodia and Thailand in advancing ceasefire arrangements, and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for resolving disputes through the “ASEAN Way”.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said the de-escalation of tension along the Cambodia–Thailand border proves that dialogue and consultation is the right way to resolve disputes.
“China upholds a just and fair position, supports Cambodia and Thailand in enhancing communication and resolving differences, supports advancing political settlement through the ASEAN Way,” he said in a statement in response to the outcomes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC).
The meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, saw Cambodia and Thailand reaching consensus on the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and follow-up arrangements.
It was co-chaired by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and National Defence Minister General Tea Seiha, and Thailand’s Acting Minister of Defence General Nattaphon Narkphanit.
Also present during the meeting as observers were Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar
China, which was represented by its Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, attended the meeting as observer alongside US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
“Cambodia and Thailand held an extraordinary GBC meeting and reached understanding on the implementation arrangements, monitoring mechanism and follow-up matters of the ceasefire, laying the foundation for realising an effective ceasefire and cementing lasting peace between the two sides. China welcomes this,” Gua added.
China also expressed readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of the border dispute. – BERNAMA
