China is seeking to elevate its strategic partnership with Thailand, using the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a springboard to expand cooperation and advance broader regional goals, according to statements from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings on Thursday.
Wang, meeting with his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening the China-Thailand “community with a shared future,” stating that China regards its relationship with Thailand as a cornerstone of its neighborhood diplomacy.
Wang called for closer alignment of development strategies, particularly in growth sectors such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, and green development, positioning these as new engines for modernization.
Touting infrastructure as a key pillar, Wang pressed for acceleration of the China-Thailand railway project, which is seen as central to promoting connectivity and regional development across China, Laos, and Thailand.
Commenting on global trade tensions, Wang criticized the United States for its imposition of unilateral tariffs, warning that these moves undermine the international trading system and create uncertainty across supply chains.
He voiced confidence in Thailand and other ASEAN states to defend their interests and promote multilateralism, including through an anticipated update to the China-ASEAN free trade agreement to boost the shared market and uphold the World Trade Organization’s norms.
Addressing the recent flare-up in Thai-Cambodian border tensions, Wang offered China’s “objective and impartial” mediation, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful negotiation as the preferred paths to de-escalation and regional stability.
For his part, Maris praised China as a trusted long-term partner, reflecting on five decades of stable diplomatic ties underscored by mutual respect and a “family-like” relationship. Thailand, Maris said, is committed to furthering cooperation in connectivity, trade, agriculture, and transnational crime prevention.
He added that Thailand supports multilateral trading frameworks and calls for a swift return to normal trade operations.
On the issue of border tensions with Cambodia, Maris underscored the need for dialogue over force and expressed gratitude for China’s supportive, balanced approach as a mediator. Thailand, he said, is ready to resolve such matters through bilateral and goodwill-based channels.
