Thai FM: China Confirms Cambodia’s Heavy Weapons Are Old
BANGKOK, Dec 16 (TNA) - Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew revealed that China confirmed the heavy weaponry found with Cambodian forces was old.
Speaking to reporters on the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border tension, Sihasak said that while both nations had sent letters to the United Nations, a security council meeting has not yet been convened.
He announced that ASEAN foreign ministers would hold a special meeting on the Thai-Cambodian border situation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 22.
Regarding discussions with China, Sihasak said the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry met with the Chinese Ambassador yesterday (Dec 15). The ambassador conveyed China's desire for both sides to move towards peace and resolve issues through peaceful means, a path he affirmed Thailand was ready for.
Sihasak stressed that while Thailand is ready for a peaceful resolution, previous Cambodian pledges to halt fire were broken, with renewed shelling the following day. "If they want a ceasefire, Cambodia must stop first, and then we can talk," he said.
Regarding the Chinese-made weapons used by Cambodia, Sihasak stated that China confirmed the arms were "old" and that Beijing had not supplied new weapons. Thailand, however, must follow up and discuss the matter with China as the weapons were used to damage Thai territory.
