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.

First came a push from the Malaysian premier, then China reached out, but it was only after U.S. President Donald Trump called Thailand's leader last week that Bangkok agreed to talks with Cambodia to end an escalating military conflict.

Thailand has requested Cambodia to move a bilateral meeting of senior security officials next week — considered crucial to de-escalating border tensions following deadly clashes — from Phnom Penh to a neutral location.