China Pledges Cambodia Tanks Won't Target Thailand

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Friday that China has assured Thailand Chinese-made military equipment supplied to Cambodia will not be used to harm Thailand. Speaking after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai, Anutin said he raised Thai concerns over China's delivery of military hardware, particularly tanks, to Cambodia. Chinese officials acknowledged the Thai government's concerns, explaining that the tank procurement had been agreed long before recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, but delivery was delayed during the conflict period due to sensitivity. China said it was ultimately obliged to fulfill the contract under agreed terms, with assurances that the equipment will not be used to cause harm to Thailand.

Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Thailand in security, economic development, technology transfer, and personnel training. On regional security, Xi offered to facilitate dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to help restore relations and encourage both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution. Anutin reiterated Thailand's position that it does not seek conflict but has a responsibility to protect its sovereignty and people's safety.

China also offered to host the upcoming Lancang-Mekong Cooperation leaders' meeting instead of Thailand to avoid placing member states, particularly Cambodia, in an awkward position amid bilateral tensions. During the meeting, Anutin conveyed an invitation from King Maha Vajiralongkorn for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to pay an official state visit to Thailand. Xi accepted the invitation in principle and said he would visit when both sides' schedules permit.