Trump Says His Diplomacy Stopped Cambodia–Thailand Fighting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump says he personally helped stabilize a fragile ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand amid renewed border clashes. Leaders from both nations reportedly spoke to him by phone as tensions spiked. The long-disputed border area saw fresh violence earlier this week.
Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire Quick Looks
- Trump claims he “stopped a war” by intervening in Cambodia–Thailand border tensions.
- The president says tariffs give him diplomatic leverage to mediate disputes.
- New clashes killed one Cambodian civilian and injured three others this week.
- Thailand reported Cambodian soldiers fired into Thai territory; Thailand noted no casualties.
- July’s five-day conflict left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead.
- A U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reaffirmed at last month’s ASEAN summit.
- Territorial disagreements stem from colonial-era maps dating to 1907.
- Ceasefire does not address the fundamental border dispute underlying the violence.
Deep Look
Trump Says His Diplomacy Prevented Renewed Conflict Between Cambodia and Thailand
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday that he successfully intervened to stabilize escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, claiming credit for preventing a broader conflict following deadly exchanges along their shared border.
“I stopped a war just today,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, speaking as he traveled to his Mar-a-Lago resort for the weekend. He said he had spoken by phone with both countries’ prime ministers and believed his personal involvement was crucial in rescuing a fragile ceasefire agreed to earlier this year.
According to Trump, his threat to impose stiff trade penalties played a pivotal role. “They’re doing great. They were not doing great,” he said, insisting that the potential economic pressure helped push both governments back in line with the ceasefire terms. “I think they’re going to be fine.”
Fragile Ceasefire Under Pressure
The ceasefire Trump referred to was originally brokered by U.S. officials in response to a five-day conflict in late July, when territorial skirmishes along the disputed border ignited into widespread gunfire and shelling. The clashes left dozens dead on both sides, including civilians living in rural villages scattered along the frontier.
The conflict was temporarily halted when the U.S. and regional partners encouraged both governments to step back. The agreement was strengthened last month during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, where Trump pressed leaders to recommit to peace.
But this week, that accord appeared to be unraveling.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that shooting broke out again in Banteay Meanchey province, in the Prey Chan area near the Thai border. According to Cambodian officials, Thai troops opened fire on villagers, killing one civilian and wounding three others. The incident followed similar confrontations in September in which tensions flared but no one was killed.
In response, the Thai military claimed it did not initiate the violence. Thai officials said Cambodian soldiers fired into the Sa Kaeo district on the Thai side of the border, prompting a response. No Thai casualties were reported.
A Centuries-Old Dispute
The Cambodia–Thailand border conflict is rooted in centuries of territorial rivalry dating back to their time as competing regional empires. The modern dispute stems largely from a 1907 map drawn when Cambodia was under French colonial rule — a map Thailand has long argued is inaccurate.
Both countries claim ownership over several key border regions, especially areas around historic sites and resource-rich land. Despite numerous diplomatic efforts over the past several decades, the dispute remains unresolved.
While the U.S.-backed ceasefire paused the violence, the agreement did not address the underlying question of where the border should formally lie. The absence of a permanent solution means that flare-ups like this week’s remain likely.
Trump’s Diplomatic Approach: Leverage Through Tariffs
Trump emphasized to reporters that his evolving global tariff strategy gives the United States “tremendous leverage.” He argued that the threat of revoking or limiting trade privileges allowed him to pressure Cambodia and Thailand to stop fighting.
“Tariffs aren’t just about trade,” Trump said. “They’re tools. They help keep people in line.”
The administration has used similar strategies in other recent diplomatic disputes, mixing economic pressure with political engagement. Critics argue this approach risks escalating tensions or destabilizing alliances, but Trump has repeatedly claimed it gives the U.S. unmatched negotiating power.
No Long-Term Resolution Yet
Though Trump asserted that “they’re doing great now,” the ceasefire remains fragile. Neither Cambodia nor Thailand has committed to new negotiations to resolve the underlying border disagreement. Analysts warn that, without structural reforms or bilateral agreements defining the boundary, the conflict could reignite quickly.
The U.S. State Department has not released additional details on Trump’s calls or the specific diplomatic steps taken to reinforce the ceasefire.
For now, both sides appear willing to back down — but with a history of mistrust and unresolved claims, tensions remain close to the surface.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.