“Asian way” versus “Trump’s way” over peacemaking

The Thailand–Cambodia conflict has become an excellent case study of the so-called “Asian Way” versus the US-inspired “Trump’s Way.”

Since the conflict broke out, China has been watching closely and has taken a careful and relatively back-seat role. Its quiet and non-coercive diplomacy, often dubbed the “Asian Way,” has helped ease tensions between China’s two closest economic and security partners.

Although Thailand has been dealing with a domestic crisis, both civilian and military leaders have taken an independent path, even when that stance runs against pressure from powerful countries such as the US.

At the trilateral meeting at Fuxian Lake, outside Kunming, the contrast was crystal clear. Foreign Minister Wang Yi met separately with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn before bringing the two sides together.

Beijing has shown great sensitivity in engaging the two countries to ensure their comfort level. Wang listened attentively to the situation without passing judgment and treated the views and information shared with respect.

Lest we forget, during his phone call with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Trump reportedly said that stepping on landmines was “a roadside accident,” which caused uproar among the Thai public. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed disappointment.

During this period, Wang avoided public statements claiming credit or boasting about China’s role. Instead, the joint statement issued on Dec. 29 focused on practical steps, including humanitarian aid, landmine clearance, military coordination and rebuilding trust.

Clearly, China’s diplomatic engagement with Thailand and Cambodia is aimed at restoring cooperation and mutual trust. All sides appeared comfortable with their host.

By comparison, US President Donald Trump favors pressure tactics. In the case of the Thailand–Cambodia conflict, he publicly linked ceasefires to threats of higher tariffs.

He also warned that economic punishment would follow if fighting continued. Trump got what he wanted at the ASEAN-related summits in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 26, witnessing the signing of a joint statement on Thailand–Cambodia relations.

Truth be told, the deal brokered quickly by Trump was not fully implemented. Within two weeks, after a series of violations — especially landmine incidents that injured a number of Thai soldiers — Thailand halted implementation of the agreement.

China chose a different path. The Fuxian joint statement said Beijing supports the decisions made by the Joint Boundary Commission, in line with the joint statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting held on Dec. 27.

China also offered assistance with humanitarian demining through the Joint Coordinating Task Force and bilateral arrangements, and pledged substantive support for the ASEAN Observer Team to ensure it can work effectively. China also stands ready to provide further support as necessary or as requested by both countries.

For both sides, the next step will be a gradual return to normal exchanges and communication at all levels. China is ready to provide immediate humanitarian aid to help displaced people in border areas restore their livelihoods.

As host, China also ensured that the upcoming Fifth Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting, which it co-chairs with Thailand, will take place at a later date after being postponed from mid-December.

The meeting will be held once Thailand has formed a new government in the second quarter of 2026.

While China’s role has been steady and restrained, Thailand has taken what many diplomats describe as its own “Thai Way” — a foreign policy based on independence, national dignity and clear red lines on sovereignty. Some have criticized Thailand for using excessive force in response to Cambodia’s military actions.

Thai leaders, especially the Ministry of Defense, have repeatedly asserted that any ceasefire must be verified and fully implemented — including a 72-hour truce and beyond.

After nearly a 20-hour pause, Thailand freed 18 Cambodian soldiers who had been detained for the past 155 days. The hiccup was caused by Cambodia’s use of unmanned aerial vehicles over Thai airspace, violating the agreement reached at the GBC meeting on Dec. 22. Cambodia’s authorities later issued a notice prohibiting drone flights nationwide, particularly along the Thailand–Cambodia border.

In more ways than one, domestic politics have also shaped Bangkok’s stance. Thailand is heading toward a general election on Feb. 8. At this juncture, public sentiment has turned sharply nationalistic on issues of sovereignty and national security.

Across the political spectrum, parties — including the opposition — have stressed that Thailand’s territorial integrity must be protected and the role of the military respected. During the two rounds of armed conflict, 42 Thai soldiers were killed — 26 in December alone.

As caretaker prime minister, Anutin has taken a tough public line. After a phone call with Trump on Dec. 11, he insisted that Thai forces would continue operations authorized by the National Security Council, acting in self-defense to protect sovereignty. His comments surprised some observers but resonated strongly with domestic audiences.

Under the current circumstances, Anutin faces limits in initiating major policy moves. As such, it is likely that any bilateral talks on border-related issues will have to wait for the next government after the election. Bangkok has made clear that it wants to start with demining operations, which have injured soldiers and civilians.

One Chinese national was also injured after crossing the border into Thailand illegally.

For Thailand, the six-month episode has reinforced a long-standing principle. As Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangkhetkeow put it, the country will work with major powers, but it will not surrender its right to decide for itself.

In this context, Thailand accepts China’s facilitation without pressure or coercive leverage such as tariffs or other means. Bangkok insists that peace must rest on sincerity, verification, reciprocity and respect for sovereignty.

As talks continue and relations are repaired step by step, the Asian Way and Trump’s Way must also be mindful of the Thai Way if the ceasefire deal and future reconciliation efforts are to be successfully implemented.