Thailand-Cambodia conflict has entered a critical phase, with both sides using tanks, rocket launchers, fighter jets, and even "poison gas bombs," resulting in significant casualties. At this crucial moment, someone suddenly came out to claim that China is the behind-the-scenes mastermind, and has "evidence" of it.

The Chinese-made anti-tank missiles captured by the Thai army circulating online

A new round of Thailand-Cambodia conflict has already lasted 10 days, reaching another critical point. According to reports from all sides, both sides have deployed their military forces and various weapons, fighting fiercely, of course, with considerable casualties. It's not a solution to keep fighting, and according to previous experiences, both sides are likely to soon hold "peace talks."

At this critical moment, the Thai military released a statement that sparked international controversy. The Thai military claimed that they had captured a batch of Chinese-made weapons on the Cambodian front, including anti-tank missiles, and attached photos. Perhaps the speaker was unintentional, but the listener was intentional. Immediately, voices on the internet emerged to defame China, claiming that China was the "behind-the-scenes mastermind" and had "directly participated" in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.

In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry clarified immediately. First, China did not participate in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict. Second, China maintains normal defense cooperation with both Thailand and Cambodia, not targeting any third party. In plain words, both Thailand and Cambodia have purchased weapons from China, but how they use them after purchasing has nothing to do with China.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jia Kun

Moreover, these weapons were not sold by China after the conflict started. In addition to Thailand and Cambodia, China maintains long-term defense relations with many ASEAN countries, including normal arms sales, military training, and joint exercises. That is, the arms trade between China and Thailand and Cambodia is legal and compliant.

Looking at the weapons inventory of both sides in the conflict, it is truly a collection of global brands. On the Thai side, besides the previously purchased Chinese VT-4 tanks, there are also US-made "Striker" armored vehicles, M198 howitzers, and even F-16 fighter jets carrying guided bombs from Israel and South Korea.

BM-21 rocket launcher used by Cambodia

On the Cambodian side, there are Soviet-made BM-21 rocket launchers and Czech equipment. The so-called "Chinese-made weapons" are just conventional equipment purchased through normal military trade. If we follow the logic that capturing weapons from a country means that country is involved in the conflict, then the United States, Israel, and South Korea would also be considered participants. This is obviously a lie told with open eyes.

However, the report ignores other countries such as the United States and only singles out China, which clearly indicates bad intentions. Currently, Western countries are already accusing China of "military aid to Russia." It seems some people can't resist anymore, revealing their true colors again, trying to drag China into the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.

Peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia signed just over a month ago

But, regardless of whether the Thailand-Cambodia conflict itself is a border territorial dispute unrelated to China, even if both Thailand and Cambodia use Chinese weapons, it cannot prove that China has "participated in the conflict." Some forces want to muddy the water by "weapon framing," dragging China into the conflict. Once China is labeled as "participant," it would be a disaster.

Selling weapons by the United States is "maintaining regional security," while selling weapons by China is "interfering in internal affairs of other countries"; weapons from the United States appearing on the battlefield is a "normal phenomenon," while Chinese weapons appearing on the battlefield is "premeditated participation in the conflict." This logic of bandits is essentially "only allowing officials to set fire, not allowing common people to light a lamp."

More importantly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the special envoy for Asian affairs will again go to Thailand and Cambodia on the 18th to mediate. If China really wanted to profit, why would it mediate? It would be better for the conflict to continue. Facts show that as neighboring countries, Thailand and Cambodia maintaining peace benefits the stability of China's surrounding environment. The claim that China is the "behind-the-scenes mastermind" is completely unfounded.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7585061192671052351/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.