Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra began an official visit to China, reaffirming five decades of diplomatic and economic cooperation. The visit, which included meetings with President Xi Jinping and top Chinese officials, focused on expanding trade, investment, and regional security.
During talks with President Xi, both leaders emphasized Thailand’s strategic role in China’s regional engagement and agreed to enhance economic collaboration. China has been Thailand’s largest trading partner for 12 years, with bilateral investments surpassing $100 billion. The discussions also covered cybersecurity and measures to combat cross-border crime.
The Prime Minister also met Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC), who reaffirmed the enduring and forward-looking nature of Thai-Chinese relations. Meanwhile, China pledged to encourage high-tech companies to increase their investments in Thailand, particularly in technology-driven industries.
Paetongtarn expressed appreciation for China’s role in facilitating cultural exchanges, including the return of the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic to Thailand and preparations for repatriating a goodwill giant panda. She also reiterated Thailand’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese tourists and promoting youth-focused educational and cultural exchanges.
The Prime Minister attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Beijing before meeting executives from major Chinese corporations such as Hisense Group and Xiaomi Corporation. She urged Hisense to integrate Thai-manufactured components into its supply chain, while Xiaomi was encouraged to consider Thailand as a regional hub for smart technology development. The Board of Investment of Thailand pledged support for business matchmaking between local suppliers and Chinese firms.
Additionally, discussions with the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China (TCCC) focused on boosting agricultural trade, easing investment regulations, and improving product safety standards. The chamber emphasized the need to enhance Thailand’s global brand image and streamline investment incentives to attract more Chinese investors.
The visit underscored Thailand’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with China, expanding trade partnerships, and fostering long-term investment collaboration. Officials from both sides attended key meetings throughout the visit.
