A threat by President Donald Trump to halt trade negotiations with both Cambodia and Thailand until a truce had been reached forced both sides to the negotiating table. Even so, the ceasefire looks shaky.

Tensions are rising between Thailand and Cambodia after Phnom Penh confirmed that only 2 of the 20 Cambodian soldiers captured at the O'Smach border checkpoint have been released by Thai forces. One soldier has reportedly returned dead,

If Cambodia could solidify its territorial holdings in this war, it could not only enhance its own geopolitical and geoeconomic power, but also expand China’s influence.