The tank screeches as it rolls into the ad-hoc military base before four battle-weary soldiers jump out to re-inspect the hefty vehicle.

While long-standing border disputes explain some of the current violence between Thailand and Cambodia, the conflict’s escalation is primarily driven by Thai elites’ drive to consolidate military

The Thai warning came as the U.S. expressed its grave concern about the most serious fighting in years between the Southeast Asian neighbors. The U.S. and China compete for influence in fast-growing Southeast Asia, and both have good relations with Thailand and Cambodia.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday (July 27) he believed both Thailand and Cambodia wanted to settle their differences after he told the leaders of both countries that he would not conclude trade deals with them unless they ended their fighting.