Scholars from China, Cambodia, and Thailand gathered in Beijing this week to advance peace efforts under the Fuxian consensus, marking a major step toward stabilizing Southeast Asia. The conference, hosted by China Foreign Affairs University, focused on implementing agreements from a landmark 2025 trilateral meeting that paused hostilities between the neighboring nations. 🕊️
Since clashes erupted in July 2025, China has facilitated high-level dialogues and "sustained coordination" to de-escalate tensions, according to Peking University scholar Zhai Kun. The results speak volumes: 18 Cambodian soldiers recently returned home safely, and ceasefire measures are now being operationalized. 🎯
What’s changed? "Earlier academic debates were charged with emotion," Zhai noted, "but now there’s a shared focus on practical solutions." Thai and Cambodian researchers at the conference proposed concrete steps to rebuild trust, including cultural exchanges and joint economic projects. 💡
This Track II dialogue—a behind-the-scenes effort led by think tanks—showcases China’s growing role in promoting what participants call an "Asian security model." With cross-border travel resuming and diplomatic channels reopening, 2026 could be the year peace becomes permanent. 🌱
