President Donald Trump has taken an active role as a mediator in the recent border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which has become the worst confrontation between the two Southeast Asian countries in more than a decade.
Amid his visit to Scotland, the head of state used his social media to announce direct talks with the leaders of both nations and demand a ceasefire, warning that the United States won't close trade deals with either country while the conflict continues.
The clashes, which have now lasted for three days, have left more than 30 dead and displaced over 130,000 people, affecting border provinces such as Trat (Thailand) and Pursat (Cambodia).
Washington uses its commercial influence to stop the fighting
Trump reported having spoken first with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, followed by a conversation with Thailand's interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. In both calls, he emphasized that the leaders were willing to reach an immediate ceasefire and promote peace.
""After speaking with both parties, peace, ceasefire, and prosperity seem natural,"" Trump wrote.
He also compared the situation to the clashes between India and Pakistan last May, a conflict in which Washington's mediation succeeded in preventing a large-scale war.
The president used his political and commercial influence to pressure the parties involved, whose economies depend on American imports, making it clear that he won't allow progress in trade negotiations if the military clashes continue.
