PM Paetongtarn strengthens ties with Xi in landmark China visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra kicked off a landmark visit to China, meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, February 6, in a high-level diplomatic exchange at the Great Hall of the People.
The visit comes as Thailand and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, marking what Xi described as a “golden year of friendship.”
In a warm exchange, the Thai premier extended Chinese New Year greetings, highlighting the enduring economic and strategic ties between the two nations.
She reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with China, a country that has been Thailand’s top trading partner for 12 consecutive years, with investments exceeding US$100 billion (approximately 3 trillion baht).
Later in the day, the Thai PM attended a military parade inspection ceremony and held talks with Premier Li Qiang and his delegation.
Discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and economic partnerships, ensuring continued growth and stability for both nations.
President Xi emphasised China’s strong support for Thailand’s development and praised the new Thai government’s leadership. He reiterated China’s commitment to fostering regional and international collaboration, with a particular focus on economic growth and technological advancements.
As part of the visit, Paetongtarn will oversee the signing of key agreements, including trade, investment, and infrastructure partnerships, which were approved by the Thai Cabinet under a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) framework.
These agreements are expected to boost bilateral cooperation, further solidifying China’s role as Thailand’s most influential economic ally, reported The Nation.
The Thai government aims to strengthen collaborations in key sectors driving the transition to a greener and more digital economy. This includes boosting the electric vehicle and semiconductor industries and expanding data centre development.
The 38 year old Thai PM also stressed the importance of tourist safety and crime prevention, urging ministries to tackle transnational crime, particularly call-centre gangs operating through Thailand.
PM Paetongtarn further directed agencies to enhance cultural and soft power exchanges with China. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Sino-Thai relations, preparations are underway for the arrival of a new pair of giant pandas, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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