ISTANBUL

China, Malaysia and Japan on Thursday called for negotiations to end the armed border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

Expressing "deep concern" over the latest conflict, which has consumed 12 lives in Thailand, including a soldier, Beijing urged dialogue and consultation to solve the border dispute.

At least 12 people, including a child and a Thai soldier, have been killed in cross-border fire after Bangkok deployed F-16 jets and Phnom Penh launched rockets across the border.

Cambodia has released no information on whether there were any casualties on their side.

While Thailand said it hit Cambodian military sites, the Phnom Penh-based Khmer Times said villages, including those housing Rohingya people, were targeted by the shelling.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated Beijing’s "just and impartial stance" and said it will continue to "promote talks for peace" and "play a constructive role" in de-escalation between Thailand and Cambodia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, also urged dialogue, saying: "Peace is the only option."

Japan also urged both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to show restraint and conduct dialogue for a peaceful solution.

The US Embassy in Thailand said that they are receiving reports on the conflict and called on the US citizens living or traveling near the Thailand-Cambodia border to "follow direction from Thai security services and consult local government authorities for the latest information."

The latest clash occurred a day after a Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion.

The two sides have given differing accounts of who initiated the fire on Thursday.

Cambodia has sought "urgent" intervention by the UN Security Council amid the escalating tensions with Thailand.

Cambodia and Thailand have downgraded diplomatic ties to the lowest level in decades, after the tensions between the two countries have been rising since May 28, when troops exchanged fire near the border, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.