Japan backs ASEAN push to halt Cambodia–Thailand clashes
A Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand was held in Malaysia on December 22. Supplied
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Japan has thrown its weight behind ASEAN’s diplomatic efforts to defuse escalating clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, expressing deep concern over mounting civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure since fighting flared again this month.
In a statement issued after the ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on December 22, Japan said it “expresses deep respect” for Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chair in convening the emergency talks and welcomed steps aimed at easing tensions and restoring dialogue between the two neighbours.
Tokyo also reiterated its appreciation for US mediation efforts, including facilitation of a ceasefire arrangement and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.
“Japan has consistently called for maximum restraint and peaceful resolution through dialogue to both countries at various levels and opposes any actions that could escalate the situation,” said press secretary Kitamura Toshihiro.
It added that Japan would continue to coordinate closely with ASEAN countries and other partners to promote de-escalation.
The ASEAN meeting, convened pursuant to a decision by the prime ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand on December 11, brought together foreign ministers to address the deteriorating border situation.
Malaysia briefed the meeting on diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, while the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) reported on developments on the ground. Cambodia and Thailand each presented their respective positions.
In a chairman’s statement, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed “serious concerns” over continued hostilities that have resulted in significant casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure and the displacement of civilians on both sides of the border.
They called on both governments to ensure civilians can return safely and with dignity to their homes and livelihoods without obstruction.
The ministers reaffirmed ASEAN unity, solidarity and centrality, stressing the bloc’s role in safeguarding regional peace and stability in line with the ASEAN Charter.
They recalled previous commitments, including the July 28 ceasefire arrangement, decisions from the August 7 Extraordinary General Border Committee meeting and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on October 26, urging both sides to fully and effectively implement them.
ASEAN also underscored the need for maximum restraint and the immediate cessation of all forms of hostilities, calling on Cambodia and Thailand to restore mutual trust and return to dialogue through bilateral mechanisms and the good offices of the ASEAN chair.
The statement urged both countries to revive cooperation on humanitarian demining and to carry out military de-escalation along their shared border under the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team.
The meeting welcomed discussions on resuming the ceasefire, noting that the General Border Committee is scheduled to convene on December 24 to discuss implementation and verification.
Foreign ministers said they hoped for swift de-escalation and pledged to remain seized of the matter.
Japan’s endorsement adds to growing international pressure for a diplomatic solution, reinforcing ASEAN’s push to bring both sides back to dialogue amid fears that continued fighting could further destabilise the region.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
