It was supposed to be another one of Donald Trump’s self-congratulatory world-stage moments — but instead, it turned into an awkward reality check.
During a bilateral meeting in South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping subtly but unmistakably dismantled Trump’s inflated claims about brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia.
Xi, speaking through an interpreter, began diplomatically enough, acknowledging Trump’s involvement. “During your visit to Malaysia, you witnessed the signing of the Joint Declaration on Peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and you provided your support,” Xi said.
But then came the twist — the quiet correction that left Trump looking small. “China has assisted Cambodia and Thailand in our own way to resolve the border dispute, and we continue to promote peace talks to address other pressing issues in the region.”
The statement landed like a polite but deliberate slap. Xi didn’t raise his voice, didn’t gloat — he didn’t need to. In just a few sentences, he erased Trump’s narrative and re-centered China as the true diplomatic power broker between Cambodia and Thailand.
This all comes after Trump had gone on one of his trademark Truth Social victory laps. “I am on my way to Malaysia, where I will sign the great Peace Deal, which I proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand,” he declared earlier this year. Another post read: “NO WAR! Millions of lives saved. Such an honor to have gotten this done.”
In July, he doubled down, writing, “I am pleased to announce that, after the involvement of President Donald J. Trump, both Countries have reached a CEASEFIRE and PEACE. Congratulations to all! By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives.”
But the facts don’t line up. Just two weeks after Trump’s chest-thumping posts, cross-border artillery fire resumed. The clashes killed dozens, wounded many more, and sent hundreds of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes. The supposed “great Peace Deal” unraveled almost instantly.
Meanwhile, China had already been positioning itself as a mediator in Southeast Asia. Its diplomats hosted multiple rounds of quiet talks, and in July, China’s vice foreign minister convened an emergency meeting between Cambodian and Thai officials — a move that underscored Beijing’s deep involvement.
Xi’s message during the meeting was calculated and deliberate — a masterclass in diplomatic theater. He praised Trump’s “support,” then swiftly reminded everyone that China was the one holding the reins.
Trump, either missing or ignoring the shade, grinned his way through the moment. He called Xi his “longtime friend” and a “great leader,” adding that he looked forward to “some tremendous trade deals” with China.
The exchange wasn’t just about one border dispute — it was about influence. Xi walked away looking like the steady statesman guiding regional diplomacy. Trump walked away, once again, spinning a story that everyone else in the room knew wasn’t true.
