When border disputes simmer, it’s often ordinary people who face the most risk. That’s why leaders often turn to high-level diplomacy to keep the peace. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently used a major international summit in China to push for calm. His main message was clear: stop using force, especially where civilians live, and find peaceful ways to settle disagreements.
On September 1, 2025, Prime Minister Manet met with Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. Manet urged the UN to press Thailand to avoid military action in their shared border disputes. He emphasized the need for peaceful talks, particularly in areas populated by local communities.
The UN Secretary-General confirmed he was closely watching the situation between Cambodia and Thailand. He was glad to hear that a ceasefire had been in place since the night of July 28. Guterres called on both nations to quickly normalize their relationship. He agreed that both sides should be encouraged to avoid force in disputed areas, especially where villagers reside. Instead, he suggested they use existing channels like the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). This body should work based on past bilateral agreements, treaties, and international law.
While at the summit, Prime Minister Manet also spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi offered his support for a ceasefire plan being run by Malaysia, part of a larger regional effort. Xi also pushed for the quick formation of an “ASEAN Observer Team” to monitor the situation. He echoed the sentiment that neither country should use force to handle their disagreements. Again, the protection of civilians in these disputed zones was a key point. These high-level discussions show a clear, unified call for diplomacy and peace over conflict.