After the meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in Busan, China rejected America's claim. Xi stated that China is playing an active role in restoring peace in the Thailand-Cambodia dispute and that the US claims are incorrect.
World News: A significant meeting recently took place between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. This encounter was initially viewed as a fresh start in the relations between the two countries. Trump had described the meeting as highly successful, stating that if rated on a scale of zero to ten, he would give it 12 points. However, the subsequent statement from Xi Jinping altered the perception of this meeting.
Xi Jinping Rejects Trump's Claim
Chinese President Xi Jinping outright rejected Trump's statement, in which he claimed that China had no contribution to establishing peace between Thailand and Cambodia. Jinping stated that Beijing has always operated on a policy of balance and cooperation with its Southeast Asian neighboring countries.
He clarified that China is not only active in maintaining stability in the region but also cooperating in resolving the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Jinping's statement made it clear that Trump's claim did not align with reality.
Trump's Role in Gaza Ceasefire Appreciated
However, Xi Jinping also praised some of Trump's initiatives. He stated that China appreciates Trump's efforts in the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. But he also added that China's role in the Cambodia-Thailand dispute cannot be denied.
According to a report by the ‘South China Morning Post’, Xi Jinping also told Trump that China is playing a role of “peaceful mediation” in resolving regional disputes. The report stated that recently when tensions escalated between Thailand and Cambodia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a closed-door meeting with the leaders of both countries.
During his Asia tour, Donald Trump announced a ‘peace agreement’ in Malaysia. He had stated that this agreement was a historic step towards restoring peace between Thailand and Cambodia. Trump attributed full credit for this agreement to the United States and denied any role for China.
However, Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangkhetkeo called Trump's statement an “exaggeration”. He stated that it was merely a step towards dialogue rather than a formal peace agreement. Cambodia also responded similarly, stating that the process is long and credit cannot be attributed to a single country.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is decades old. This conflict began in the 1950s over the ancient Preah Vihear Temple. In 1954, when France granted independence to Cambodia, the Thai army occupied this temple area.
