KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 — 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”.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire along the Cambodia–Thailand border proves that dialogue and consultation are 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," it said in a statement, issued in response to the outcomes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC).
The meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday saw Cambodia and Thailand reach a consensus on the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and follow-up arrangements.
It was co-chaired by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and National Defence Minister Tea Seiha and Thailand’s acting Defence Minister 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 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 an observer, alongside United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
"Cambodia and Thailand held an extraordinary GBC meeting and reached an 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," said the ministry.
China also expressed readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of the border dispute.
