Phnom Penh has expressed deep appreciation for China’s humanitarian assistance in mine clearance along the undisputed border areas between Cambodia and Thailand, marking a significant step toward regional stability. This support, part of broader international cooperation, aims to ensure the safety of local communities and foster peace between the two neighboring kingdoms after decades of tension and conflict over border territories.
Immediate Action in Demarcated Zones
Cambodia has signaled readiness to commence demining operations in the clearly demarcated areas along its border with Thailand, thanks to China’s backing. Government officials have emphasized the urgency of these efforts, noting that clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) is critical for protecting residents who live in proximity to these historically contested zones. The initiative is seen as a foundation for stability, allowing safe movement and development in regions long plagued by the deadly legacy of past conflicts.
The border between Cambodia and Thailand has been a flashpoint for disputes, with unresolved demarcation issues fueling tensions for decades. While some areas have been agreed upon through bilateral negotiations, others remain contested, complicating humanitarian and security efforts. In the undisputed zones, however, Cambodian authorities are eager to capitalize on China’s assistance to make immediate progress. This demining work not only safeguards lives but also symbolizes a commitment to peacebuilding through actionable measures. 
Ceasefire and Cooperation in Contested Areas
In regions where border demarcation remains unresolved, Cambodia has underscored the importance of adhering to existing ceasefire agreements with Thailand. Officials have stressed that maintaining these measures is essential for preventing escalations and creating an environment conducive to dialogue. The ceasefire, while fragile, represents a mutual understanding between the two nations to prioritize humanitarian needs over territorial disagreements, at least in the short term.
China’s role in supporting demining efforts has been hailed as a constructive contribution to this delicate balance. Cambodian representatives have noted that such international assistance reinforces the ceasefire by addressing one of the most pressing dangers in these areas: the pervasive threat of landmines. By focusing on humanitarian outcomes, this collaboration helps build trust between Cambodia and Thailand, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive resolutions in the future.
China’s Broader Impact on Cambodia’s Mine-Free Goal
China’s involvement extends beyond the border regions, forming a cornerstone of Cambodia’s ambitious target to eliminate all landmines and ERWs by 2030. Under the China-aided Cambodia Landmines Elimination Project, significant strides have already been made. According to Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), over 150 square kilometers of contaminated land have been cleared since 2018, with 82,844 landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) destroyed by 2024. This effort has directly benefited more than 2.5 million Cambodians, restoring safety to vast swathes of the country.
The impact of these clearance operations is profound, transforming once-dangerous areas into spaces where communities can thrive. Land now safe from explosives is being repurposed for agriculture, housing, schools, and temples, offering a lifeline to rural populations. Ly Thuch, vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), highlighted the human toll of landmines, stating that a single device can devastate an entire family. China’s support, he emphasized, has saved countless lives by mitigating this ever-present risk.
Cambodia’s history of conflict, spanning the Khmer Rouge era and subsequent border skirmishes, has left millions of explosives scattered across its territory. The 2030 mine-free goal, while ambitious, reflects a national determination to heal these wounds. International partnerships, particularly with China, are vital to achieving this vision, providing not only technical expertise and funding but also a framework for sustained cooperation. As clearance efforts continue, the hope is to reclaim more land for productive use, ensuring that future generations inherit a safer homeland.
Training and Capacity Building for CMAC Officials
In parallel with China’s support, Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) officials have been receiving specialized training from the international demining agency APOPO, known for its innovative use of detection animals and technology. This capacity-building initiative equips local teams with the skills needed to tackle the complex challenges of mine clearance, particularly in remote and heavily contaminated areas. By enhancing CMAC’s expertise, such programs ensure that Cambodia can sustain its demining efforts long after international projects conclude.
The training focuses on modern techniques and safety protocols, addressing the unique terrain and conditions of Cambodia’s border regions. APOPO’s involvement complements China’s contributions, creating a multi-faceted approach to the landmine crisis. For CMAC personnel, this knowledge transfer is invaluable, empowering them to lead operations with greater efficiency and confidence. It also underscores the importance of global solidarity in tackling a problem that transcends national boundaries.
Humanitarian Diplomacy and Regional Stability
China’s assistance in demining is more than a humanitarian gesture; it represents a form of soft diplomacy that strengthens ties with Cambodia while promoting regional stability. By investing in mine clearance, Beijing positions itself as a key player in Southeast Asian peacebuilding, aligning with broader geopolitical interests. For Cambodia, this support is a lifeline, addressing immediate safety concerns while signaling to Thailand and other neighbors a shared commitment to peace.
The border demining initiative also sets a precedent for how international actors can facilitate cooperation in contentious areas. While Cambodia and Thailand have had a fraught relationship, marked by military clashes as recently as the early 2010s over areas like Preah Vihear Temple, joint humanitarian projects offer a neutral ground for engagement. China’s involvement, by focusing on a universally agreed-upon need—removing landmines—helps de-escalate tensions indirectly, creating space for dialogue on other issues.
Moreover, the benefits of demining extend beyond immediate safety. Cleared land along the border can facilitate cross-border trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, all of which are critical for economic development in these peripheral regions. For communities that have lived in fear of stepping on a hidden explosive, the psychological relief of safe land cannot be overstated. This dual impact—tangible and intangible—underscores why demining is a priority for Cambodia’s government and its international partners.
Challenges Ahead on the Path to 2030
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain in Cambodia’s quest to become mine-free by 2030. The sheer scale of contamination, particularly in remote and forested areas, poses logistical hurdles. Many of these regions lack infrastructure, making access difficult for demining teams. Additionally, seasonal factors like monsoon rains can delay operations, as flooded terrain complicates detection and clearance efforts.
Funding is another persistent issue. While China’s support has been substantial, the scope of the problem requires sustained investment from multiple donors. Cambodia must also balance demining with other national priorities, such as poverty reduction and infrastructure development, which compete for limited resources. International aid, therefore, remains a critical component of the strategy, necessitating ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure commitments from partners.
Coordination with Thailand presents its own set of challenges. While both nations agree on the need for demining in undisputed areas, navigating joint operations in contested zones requires delicate diplomacy. Any misstep could reignite tensions, undermining the humanitarian gains achieved so far. Cambodian officials are acutely aware of this risk, advocating for strict adherence to ceasefire terms and transparent communication with their Thai counterparts.
A Future Free from the Shadow of War
As Cambodia forges ahead with its demining initiatives, bolstered by China’s support and international training programs like those from APOPO, the vision of a mine-free nation by 2030 comes into sharper focus. Each cleared plot of land represents not just a technical achievement but a reclaimed piece of the country’s future—a place where farmers can till the soil, children can play, and communities can rebuild without fear.
The collaboration along the border with Thailand, though fraught with historical baggage, offers a glimmer of hope for lasting peace in the region. By prioritizing humanitarian needs over territorial disputes, Cambodia and its partners are laying the groundwork for a more stable Southeast Asia. Yet, as the 2030 deadline looms, the question remains: can this momentum be sustained to eradicate the deadly remnants of war once and for all?
