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.

Intense nationalism and disputed history — and maps — stoke the neighbors’ hostilities. Even a surge of international diplomacy has brought little hope of a lasting peace.

If Cambodia could solidify its territorial holdings in this war, it could not only enhance its own geopolitical and geoeconomic power, but also expand China’s influence.