China says arms trade with Cambodia, Thailand unrelated to border conflict

China’s defence cooperation with Cambodia and Thailand, including arms trade, “does not target any third party … and is completely unrelated to the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict,” its Defence Ministry said on Thursday (December 18, 2025).

“We hope relevant parties will refrain from making subjective speculation and malicious hype,” the Chinese Ministry said in response to reports that Thai troops seized Chinese-made weapons from Cambodian positions as border clashes between the Southeast Asian neighbours reignited.

Beijing hopes the two countries can reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, the defence ministry said, according to a statement released on its social media account. “China is and will continue to advocate for peace and talks,” it added.