Thailand, China agree to closer military ties during senior official's visit

Xu, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, held talks with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, proposing that the two defence ministries sign a pact to elevate military cooperation and for exchange of more visits by senior officers.

The two countries should also have mechanisms for military education and training, notably joint exercises between their armed forces, Xu was quoted as saying to Prawit by Defence Ministry spokesman Maj-General Kongcheep Tantrawanich.

The two countries should also jointly develop their defence industries, and China would support the establishment of an Asean military medical centre in Thailand, he said.

Xu arrived in Thailand on Thursday for a five-day visit just two weeks after a visit to China by Prawit, who is also a deputy prime minister. Xu said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assigned him to visit Thailand to build trust and seek closer cooperation. 

China praised the junta and is ready to help Thailand to solve its internal problems for sustainable happiness, he said. Beijing hopes all concerned parties in Thailand can solve their problems through dialogue for the permanent stability and security of the country, Xu said.

Prawit said Thailand’s military-led government agreed with all of China’s proposals and had set up a working group to bring them to fruition. But on the issue of defence-industry development, Thailand wanted to have assistance from China on research and development.

Thailand will fully support President Xi’s “Chinese dream” to make his country stronger, since the Chinese aspiration is compatible with Thailand’s foreign policy, Prawit said. 

Thailand will be a strategic partner of China for their mutual benefit, he said, and expressed his thanks to Xu for his understanding of the Thai political situation. 

“We are developing our country to have people at the centre for the benefit of the people,” Prawit said.

As for Beijing’s concerns over the problems in the South China Sea, where it has territorial disputes with many Asean members, Prawit said Thailand was satisfied with the steps concerned countries were taking to seek peaceful solutions. The South China Sea issue would not jeopardise relations between China and Asean, he said, noting Thailand was ready to support China in all matters for the benefit of peace and stability in the region.

Xu also made a courtesy call yesterday on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who told him that his government had a policy to promote good relations with China for the mutual benefit. 

The two countries would have closer relations in all aspects; political, security, economic and people-to-people ties, Prayut was quoted as saying to Xu by Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp.

Xu conveyed best regards from the leadership in Beijing to Their Majesties the King and the Queen for their roles in promoting close bilateral relations and to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who celebrated her 60th birthday earlier this month.