(Phnom Penh): A Cambodian official on Friday (Aug. 7) rejected claims that China's military attaché in Bangkok had made remarks concerning the use of Chinese-made military equipment along the Cambodia-Thailand border, saying verification with the Chinese Embassy confirmed that no such statement was made.

The clarification came after the Thai military reportedly claimed that, during a meeting between Chinese and Thai military representatives, the Chinese side had told Cambodia that "Chinese-made military equipment should not be used in areas along the Cambodia-Thailand border."

According to the Cambodian official, the claim is baseless, stressing that the Chinese military attaché in Bangkok made no such statement during the meeting.

Instead, the official said, the Chinese side used the meeting to reaffirm its firm commitment to promoting peace and dialogue, while encouraging good-neighbourly relations.

The clarification follows a report by Khaosod English on Thursday (Aug. 6), citing the Royal Thai Army, which said Chinese and Thai military representatives had met and claimed that China had told Cambodia regarding the use of Chinese-made military equipment along the border.

The Cambodian official reiterated that, following verification with the Chinese Embassy, no such message or statement was made by the Chinese military attaché.
=FRESH NEWS