Xi Meets Thai King in Beijing, Signaling Stronger Bilateral Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Beijing on Friday, marking the first visit by a Thai monarch since the two countries established diplomatic ties 50 years ago.

The meeting highlighted growing economic cooperation between China and Thailand, which have expanded cultural and commercial links over recent decades. China is now one of Thailand’s largest partners in trade and tourism. Both sides used the talks to outline plans for deeper collaboration in investment and transport projects.

Thailand, once cautious of China during the Cold War, has steadily built stronger links as supply chains and security dynamics shift across Southeast Asia. Officials in Beijing described the king’s visit as an important step in reinforcing long-standing ties and widening future cooperation.

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The meeting followed a state visit to China by Spain’s King Felipe VI. Chinese state media highlighted both visits as signs of Beijing’s continued diplomatic outreach amid global uncertainty.

During Friday’s talks, Xi Jinping said China views Thailand as a close regional partner and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for joint development projects. The Thai side pointed to cultural links and the long history of exchanges between the two countries.

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Analysts say China is using high-level visits to consolidate its regional partnerships and strengthen long-term economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. The Beijing meeting underscored China’s intent to maintain a central role in regional diplomacy as global alignments evolve.