Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a diplomatic rebuke to President Donald Trump during their bilateral meeting in South Korea, dismantling Trump's claims about resolving the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

Xi, speaking through an interpreter, carefully acknowledged Trump's presence at the peace signing while subtly undermining his narrative. "During your visit to Malaysia, you witnessed the signing of the Joint Declaration on Peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and you provided your support," Xi stated, before asserting China's central role.

"China has assisted Cambodia and Thailand in our own way to resolve the border dispute, and we continue to promote peace talks to address other pressing issues in the region."

Trump had been boastful on Truth Social, declaring dramatic statements like "I am on my way to Malaysia, where I will sign the great Peace Deal, which I proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand" and "NO WAR! Millions of lives saved. Such an honor to have gotten this done."

In a post from July, Trump proclaimed: "I am pleased to announce that, after the involvement of President Donald J. Trump, both Countries have reached a CEASEFIRE and PEACE. Congratulations to all! By ending this War, we have saved thousands of lives."

However, the reality was starkly different. Two weeks after Trump's initial celebration, artillery exchanges resulted in a significant death toll, with widespread injuries and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

A senior U.S. official had previously downplayed China's involvement, stating, "From the U.S. standpoint, we actually don't believe that China played a significant role—and really any kind of consequential role—in achieving the peace."

Xi's carefully calibrated response appeared designed to highlight China's diplomatic efforts and subtly embarrass Trump. Chinese officials have positioned themselves as regional peacemakers, with the vice foreign minister even hosting an emergency diplomatic meeting in July.

Trump, seemingly oblivious to the nuanced diplomatic correction, responded by calling Xi his "longtime friend" and a "great leader", expressing enthusiasm about potential trade deals.