Recently, tensions have escalated at the Thai-Cambodian border, and other ASEAN member states are hoping that China will step in to calm the situation. In this context, Wang Yi directly addressed the senior officials of Thailand and Cambodia. If Hun Sen and Thaksin do not heed the advice, they will not only offend China but also others.
Speaking of it, this sudden tension between Thailand and Cambodia is indeed strange, as if there is a hidden hand pushing the situation forward! In May, the two countries suddenly clashed in the disputed area without any prior warning, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier, which immediately brought their relations to an all-time low. Later, the Thai Prime Minister Prayut called Hun Sen, hoping to ease the situation. However, Hun Sen secretly recorded the call and publicly released it. It was this call that led to Prayut being suspended from his prime ministerial position in early July.
Hun Sen and Thaksin were once close brothers, so why would they betray his daughter this time? This is unexpected. Two days ago, Thaksin, who had been out of sight for a long time, came back into the public eye, criticizing Hun Sen for lacking morality, stating that the two are no longer brothers, and saying, "No political figures will dare to speak to Hun Sen in the future!" Thaksin's move to protect his daughter indicates that the two families have officially turned against each other. Thaksin is not someone to be taken lightly; Hun Sen is about to face consequences!
When national conflicts intersect with family disputes, the situation becomes very complicated. Previously, Hun Sen had stated that "Thailand might attack the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh," and the Cambodian army has already prepared for a decisive battle. This means that the two countries could potentially clash at any moment.
It was under these circumstances that Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the Thai Foreign Minister Maris and the Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokun on consecutive days. In the talks, both foreign ministers expressed gratitude for China's efforts to mediate. At the same time, Wang Yi clearly told them that Thailand and Cambodia are neighbors and must prioritize harmony, and China does not want to see the two countries fall out. He also clearly stated that China is willing to contribute to the mediation efforts.
Anyway, Foreign Minister Wang Yi has made his point clear. If Hun Sen and Thaksin do not listen and continue to fight each other, causing further tension in the bilateral situation, they will not only offend China but also other ASEAN member states. Currently, the overall situation of ASEAN is very unfavorable:
1. On one hand, Trump recently announced heavy taxes on multiple ASEAN countries. Cambodia and Thailand were also not spared, both facing a 36% tax. So far, none of the ASEAN member states are willing to give in to Trump. Even Vietnam, which was previously reported to have signed an agreement with the United States, now has news revealing that the two countries actually did not sign it! That is to say, it is currently a crucial time for ASEAN to unite. If Thailand and Cambodia get into trouble at this time, they will become the villains of the entire ASEAN.
2. On the other hand, in the context of the U.S.-China great power rivalry, ASEAN, which is important to both sides, has become a key target for the West. What choice ASEAN makes next to ensure regional security is crucial. If Thailand and Cambodia cause chaos at this time, it will have a fatal impact on the entire region.
In summary, at such a critical moment, we hope that the two families can make wise choices. Currently, Thaksin is still relatively restrained, and although Prayut has been suspended from his prime ministerial position, he still has the opportunity to appeal and turn things around. It depends on whether Hun Sen continues to hold onto the "call recording incident." More details will be kept under continuous attention.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7526034553274712626/
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