China's Xi urges Thailand and Cambodia to settle long-running border dispute

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their long-running border dispute after separate meetings with both countries' leaders on the same day. The dispute escalated into the deadliest fighting between the neighbours in more than a decade last year, killing more than 100 military personnel and civilians.

A ceasefire reached in December 2025 has largely held, but both sides have continued to accuse the other of breaches. Xi's intervention is seen as part of Beijing's broader push to expand its diplomatic influence in the region.

Analysts say China's strong economic ties with both neighbours position it well for a mediating role. But they note that the deepest obstacle to a lasting resolution remains the long-standing territorial claims along the disputed border.