PM: Wang Yi says Cambodia no longer wants to fight Thailand
China's foreign minister conveyed to Thailand that Cambodia no longer wants conflict with its neighbor, offering Beijing's readiness to mediate regional tensions during diplomatic talks in Bangkok on April 24.
BANGKOK — China has expressed readiness to act as a mediator in tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, with Beijing reportedly conveying that Phnom Penh does not wish to escalate or engage in conflict, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on 24 April 2026.
Speaking after talks and a working lunch in Bangkok, Prime Minister Anutin said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had visited Cambodia before arriving in Thailand, relayed Beijing's assessment of the situation between the two neighbours.
"Wang Yi said Cambodia no longer wants to fight Thailand, does not want to face confrontation, and does not want conflict anymore," Anutin said.
The prime minister said China also expressed readiness to play a mediating role in easing regional tensions, as part of broader diplomatic engagement during Wang's visit to Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar from 22 to 26 April.
Anutin added that Thailand maintains it does not seek conflict with any neighbouring country, but any resolution must follow structured dialogue, agreed procedures and confidence-building measures rather than immediate or informal arrangements.
He stressed that Thailand would base its decisions on national interest, including security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"What matters is what Thailand gains from this situation. The country must remain safe and not lose any advantage in terms of sovereignty or territory," he said.
The prime minister also said discussions with China did not include reopening border checkpoints with Cambodia.
He added that Thailand would continue to exercise restraint as long as there is no violation of its territory, and would avoid escalation or provocation.
Anutin said China demonstrated a clear understanding of the background to Thailand–Cambodia tensions and the possible approaches to resolving them, describing Thailand as an important regional partner rather than a small state in geopolitical terms.
