China-Thailand relations enter new phase as Xi hosts visiting Thai king

.China’s President Xi Jinping welcomed Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Beijing on Friday, using the rare royal visit to signal Beijing’s intention to further strengthen ties with Bangkok. Xi said the two countries stand at “a new historical starting point” and should work toward expanding cooperation for the next five decades, aiming to build what he described as a shared future for China and Thailand.

Golden jubilee highlights half-century of cooperation

The meeting comes as the two nations commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, dubbed the “Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship.” According to Chinese officials, the relationship has remained resilient despite shifts in the international landscape. Xi emphasized that the familial phrase “Jeen Thai Phee Nong Gan,” meaning China and Thailand are like close relatives, reflects how the partnership has endured and expanded over time.

Royal visit underscores growing economic ties

King Vajiralongkorn, accompanied by Queen Suthida, arrived in Beijing on Thursday. It is his first trip to China since becoming monarch in 2016 and only his second official visit abroad, following his journey to Bhutan earlier this year. Economic relations remain a major pillar of the partnership, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $134 billion last year. China continues to be a major market for Thai exports, further reinforcing Bangkok’s strategic outreach in Asia.

Regional significance and future cooperation

Officials in Beijing noted that Thailand’s engagement comes at a time when Asian economies are seeking to diversify trade routes and strengthen partnerships. For China, solidifying ties with Thailand also supports broader regional initiatives and reinforces multilateral diplomacy. For Southeast Asia, including partners such as Türkiye, stronger Asian connectivity is seen as contributing to stability and economic growth across the wider region.