Thailand warned its conflict with neighboring Cambodia could “potentially develop into a war” as troops used rockets and artillery to shell targets along their contested border for a second

The Thai warning came as the U.S. expressed its grave concern about the most serious fighting in years between the Southeast Asian neighbors. The U.S. and China compete for influence in fast-growing Southeast Asia, and both have good relations with Thailand and Cambodia.

China will continue to play a “constructive role” in helping to ease regional tensions, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday, as Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire on their border for a second day.