China is ready to play a constructive role and advocate a fair and impartial position to de-escalate tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Horn, quoted by Reuters, BTA reports.
The clashes along the border between the two countries, which have already resulted in casualties, are “extremely worrying and disturbing”, Wang stressed. He said the causes of the conflict were rooted in the "enduring legacy of Western colonialism" that now required a calm and measured approach to resolution.
Fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces entered its second day, prompting a mass evacuation of civilians. Thailand's health ministry said more than 58,000 people had fled their homes in the affected border provinces. Cambodian authorities said more than 4,000 people had been evacuated.
At least 14 people have died in Thailand, according to the latest figures, while Cambodia confirmed its first death today.
The UN Security Council is holding an emergency meeting in New York later today to discuss the growing crisis. Meanwhile, Malaysia, which currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship, called for an immediate ceasefire and offered to mediate between the two sides.
The US State Department issued a warning to its citizens to avoid travel within a 50-kilometer radius of the Thai-Cambodian border.