China, US seek Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire ahead of ASEAN meeting

China and the U.S. are renewing their separate efforts to reach a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, days ahead of a special meeting of Southeast Asian ministers on the border conflict, the worst fighting between the two in recent history.



Around 60 people have died and more than half a million have been displaced since hostilities resumed last week between the Southeast Asian neighbours, shattering a ceasefire that President Donald Trump had brokered in late July.



U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Friday, reiterating Washington's concerns and urging Thailand to de-escalate the situation and return to the ceasefire deal, the State Department said.



Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts on Thursday and said both had "expressed their desire to ease tensions and achieve a ceasefire", China's Foreign Ministry said.