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

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.

The growing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia continued into its third day with new attacks, as fears of war loom. The conflict’s death toll rose substantially on Saturday, with Cambodian authorities reporting 12 new deaths and Thailand one,

Tensions have bubbled between the two neighbors for months, flaring on Thursday as Cambodia and Thailand exchanged fire.

China has dismissed allegations that it was supplying weapons to Cambodia amid its ongoing border conflict with Thailand, which has led to at least 33 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced. Chinese officials denied supplying any new weapons or military support to the Cambodian Armed Forces amid the conflict,