A senior U.S. official has downplayed China’s involvement in the ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia, stating that Beijing played little to no significant role in achieving the peace agreement. The comment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to witness the signing of the ceasefire deal during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“From the U.S. standpoint, we actually don’t believe that China played a significant role — and really any kind of consequential role — in achieving the peace,” said the official. “I would not expect to see China participating.”
According to Malaysia’s foreign minister, the signing ceremony could take place over the weekend on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. The peace deal is viewed as a significant step toward stabilizing relations between Thailand and Cambodia after months of border tensions and military clashes.
While the U.S. is taking a visible role in supporting the ceasefire process, China’s absence from the event highlights Washington’s growing influence in Southeast Asia’s diplomatic affairs. The move also underscores the strategic competition between the U.S. and China in the region, where both powers have been vying for political and economic influence.
In addition to attending the ceasefire signing, President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week in South Korea. The two leaders are anticipated to discuss ongoing trade disputes and regional security concerns, marking another key moment in U.S.-China relations.
The upcoming ASEAN summit and related meetings are seen as pivotal for shaping future cooperation and geopolitical balance in Southeast Asia. As Washington strengthens its diplomatic presence, the region continues to navigate the complex dynamics between the U.S. and China.