Beijing, China – November 14, 2025 – Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to deepen strategic relations with Thailand during the first official visit to China by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, highlighting the two nations’ growing partnership in trade, technology, and security.

Speaking at a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi described the two countries as “family” and promised to strengthen strategic alignment with the Southeast Asian nation.

“King Vajiralongkorn’s choice of China as his first major country for a state visit fully demonstrates the high importance he attaches to China-Thailand relations,” Xi said, according to CCTV.

Thailand-China Cooperation

The Thai monarch, accompanied by Queen Suthida, described relations with China as “brotherly cooperation” and expressed a desire to expand exchanges across various sectors.

Xi highlighted cooperation in:

• China-Thailand railway projects
• Artificial intelligence and digital economy initiatives
• Aerospace development

The Thai royals were also scheduled to visit a Buddhist temple, an aerospace hub in Beijing, and attend a state banquet.

Geopolitical and Security Context

Thailand, historically a U.S. ally during the Cold War, now counts China as its largest trading partner and an increasingly significant source of military equipment.

In recent months, both countries have coordinated to crack down on telecommunications fraud and illegal gambling operations in border areas, particularly in Myanmar, targeting gangs that often exploit Chinese nationals.

On Wednesday, Thailand extradited Chinese national She Zhijiang, linked to a major scam hub in Myanmar. He had been in Thai custody since 2022.

China has also sought to mediate a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, following deadly border clashes in the summer. However, tensions persist, with Thailand pausing the truce after a recent landmine blast injured four soldiers. Both countries have continued exchanging accusations of clashes along the border.