BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- China calls for utmost restraint and every possible measure conducive to a ceasefire to ensure de-escalation of tensions as soon as possible amid the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border clashes, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a daily press briefing on Monday.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reportedly reignited since Dec. 7, less than two months after the two sides signed a joint peace declaration.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that as a friendly neighbor and friend to Cambodia and Thailand, China pays close attention to developments on their border, has been deeply saddened by the casualties resulting from the conflict and expresses heartfelt sympathies.

Guo said that for Cambodia and Thailand -- two neighbors that cannot move away from each other -- the top priorities are ensuring a ceasefire, putting an end to the conflict, and protecting civilians.

Since the outbreak of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, China has maintained close communication with both sides through multiple channels and levels, in light of the wishes of the two countries concerned, Guo said. China has also engaged in active mediation for peace talks to create the conditions and provide a platform for dialogue.

China supports direct dialogue and consultation between the two countries, as well as the efforts of ASEAN -- and Malaysia, in particular -- to promote peace talks, and the pursuit of a mutually acceptable solution within the ASEAN framework, according to Guo.

"China is making and will continue to make every effort to promote peace talks, to play a constructive role in securing a ceasefire and the end of conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, and to help restore peace in our own way," Guo added. Enditem