On February 6, 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking a significant milestone in the 50-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
High-Level Discussions
Diplomatic Milestone
The meeting took place at the East Hall, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn extended Chinese New Year greetings and expressed her honor in visiting China during this special year. The Prime Minister highlighted the enduring friendship between Thailand and China, emphasizing their mutual support through various challenges over the decades.
Economic Cooperation
Trade and Investment
China remains Thailand’s top trading partner for the 12th consecutive year and is one of the leading investors in the country, with investments surpassing $100 billion. Both leaders emphasized the importance of sustaining this special relationship for future generations.
Bilateral Agreements
Memoranda of Understanding
Following the high-level talks, the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of various agreements between Thailand and China. These agreements cover areas such as economy, trade, investment, and other sectors, as approved by the Thai Cabinet.
Regional Influence
Thailand’s Growing Role
President Xi reaffirmed China’s view of Thailand as a priority in developing relations with neighboring countries. He expressed support for Thailand’s development, the new Thai government’s administration, and Thailand’s increasing influence on both regional and international stages.
Future Cooperation
Golden Year of Friendship
As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China bilateral relations, President Xi described it as a golden year of friendship. The key themes for this milestone are cooperation and development, with a focus on achieving concrete outcomes that will benefit both nations and the broader region.
Military Cooperation
Ceremonial Inspection
Later in the day, the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend a military parade inspection ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. This event underscores the multifaceted nature of the Thailand-China relationship, extending beyond economic ties to include military cooperation.
