China has assured Thailand it remains neutral in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, saying military equipment supplied to Cambodia was delivered under an earlier agreement, Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen said.
Speaking after meeting Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, Lt Gen Adul said Beijing stressed that the military equipment delivered to Cambodia was provided under a 2016 agreement and was not supplied during the ongoing border clashes.
China has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Thailand and attached importance to its relations with the country, the defence minister said.
Lt Gen Adul also dismissed suggestions that Beijing offered to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia, saying China simply reiterated that both countries were its friends.
Asked whether China would continue supplying military equipment to Cambodia, he said it would be inappropriate to raise the matter at this time.
Asked whether China had made any offers to Thailand, Lt Gen Adul said discussions focused on cooperation in military training and artificial intelligence, but declined to elaborate. He also said China proposed expanding military ties with Thailand, including invitations to attend a forum and to make an official visit to China. He said he accepted both invitations.
Lt Gen Adul said the Chinese defence minister was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday afternoon before attending an official reception dinner. Adm Dong's visit followed Mr Anutin's visit to China to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026, where he also met Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to China's Xinhua News Agency, Mr Xi said Beijing was prepared to play a "constructive role" in promoting a peaceful resolution.
Thai-Cambodian relations have remained tense after clashes in July and December last year.
