China's Dual Role: Arms Supplier and Peace Broker in Cambodia-Thailand Conflict
Chinese military planes have reportedly delivered significant weapons shipments to Cambodia, coinciding with escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand over a contested border region. Thai intelligence documents indicate that these shipments included rockets and artillery, which Cambodia utilized during a recent five-day conflict that claimed at least 40 lives, including civilians. While Cambodia’s defense leadership has acknowledged the weapons’ origins, they refute the implications of aggression, emphasizing their military developments as defensive. This situation underscores China’s dual role as both an arms supplier and a purported peace broker in Southeast Asia, raising questions about regional stability and the implications of Chinese military support on conflicts among its allies. The developments potentially reshape the geopolitical landscape, suggesting a shift in military dynamics within the region.