A Chinese citizen sustained injuries on Monday morning after Thai military forces reportedly shelled residential areas in Cambodia's Battambang province, according to a Cambodian Ministry of Interior statement. The incident, occurring on December 22, 2025, destroyed one civilian home and escalated ongoing tensions between the neighboring nations.
Cross-border hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand reignited earlier this month, with both governments accusing each other of initiating aggression. The Cambodian government condemned the latest attack as "a violation of sovereignty," while Thai authorities denied targeting civilian zones, claiming their operations focused on "border security measures."
Analysts warn the conflict could destabilize Southeast Asia's security landscape, particularly affecting trade routes connecting Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The injured Chinese national, whose identity remains undisclosed, is receiving medical treatment, with Beijing confirming its embassy is providing consular assistance.
This marks the first reported injury to a foreign national in the 2025 border dispute. Observers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have urged immediate dialogue, emphasizing the economic risks to regional supply chains and tourism sectors.
