China is ready to align development strategies with Thailand for “greater progress” in bilateral relations, President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. Xi described the two nations as “genuine good relatives, friends and partners” and emphasized Beijing’s willingness to strengthen strategic alignment with Thailand through projects such as the China-Thailand railway, as well as cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and aerospace.
Xi also expressed support for Thai royal family charitable initiatives and knowledge-sharing in poverty reduction, while pledging to import more Thai agricultural products. In response, the king described the bilateral relationship as “between brothers,” noting Thailand’s readiness to learn from China’s development experience and expand cooperation across multiple fields.
The visit, running from Thursday through Monday, marks the first trip to China by a Thai monarch since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, coinciding with the golden jubilee of China-Thailand relations. Xi called the occasion a “new historical starting point” and expressed hope for “greater progress in the next 50 years.”
During their visit, the king and Queen Suthida are scheduled to explore China’s advancements in science, technology, innovation, and education, alongside cultural and religious sites in Beijing. China has been Thailand’s largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years through 2024, and bilateral cooperation has also expanded in security, highlighted by a joint air force exercise in September.
The Thai monarchy has historically played a central role in sustaining relations with China. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the king’s sister, has long been recognized as an “old friend of the Chinese people,” with decades of engagement in Chinese art and language and numerous visits to China.
China’s top envoy to Thailand, Zhang Jianwei, called the relationship “at its best in history,” noting the countries’ shared positions on regional and international matters, including Beijing’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Thai-Cambodian border dispute via the “Asean way.”
The visit also comes amid Thailand’s efforts to reassure China regarding tourist safety following fraud and human trafficking incidents, including the high-profile kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing earlier this year. Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand fell nearly 34% in the first ten months of 2025 compared to last year, contributing to an overall 7.2% decline in foreign visitors during the same period.
Xi and King Vajiralongkorn’s meeting underscores the continued strategic and cultural importance of China-Thailand ties, signaling a renewed commitment to cooperation as the two countries mark half a century of diplomatic relations.
