CHINA’s Foreign Minister said on Thursday that his country was willing to help resolve the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

Wang Yi made the offer during separate telephone conversations with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

Mr Wang told each of the warring sides that it was important to move quickly towards a ceasefire and to rebuild trust and that China was willing to play a constructive role in helping to achieve these goals.

The intervention by China follows the reigniting of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict on December 7, less than two months after the two sides signed a joint peace declaration.

The new round of border clashes has resulted in at least 18 civilian deaths in Cambodia, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

During Thursday’s phone talks, both countries briefed Mr Wang on the latest developments in the conflict. Both sides reportedly expressed a willingness to de-escalate the situation and move towards a ceasefire.

Mr Wang said that, as a friend of and close neighbour to both Cambodia and Thailand, China is “most reluctant to see the two nations engage in conflict and is deeply saddened by the civilian casualties resulting from the clashes.”