20-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a meeting on Saturday with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who was on an official visit to Beijing.
In their discussions, Minister Wang emphasized that the strong bond between China and Thailand remains unwavering, resilient even in the face of shifting international dynamics and domestic changes within Thailand. He expressed confidence that Thailand would continue on its path of stability and sustained development.
Minister Wang reiterated China’s commitment to fostering collaboration across various sectors with Thailand. He urged an expeditious advancement of the construction of both the China-Thailand railway and the interconnecting lines for the China-Laos-Thailand railway. Additionally, he called for joint efforts to combat transnational criminal activities, notably telecommunications fraud. Furthermore, China extended its support for the development of the ASEAN community, the preservation of ASEAN’s centrality, and the collective pursuit of an economic growth hub.
China’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with ASEAN nations was highlighted, particularly in expediting consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Minister Wang underscored the importance of forming effective and substantive regional regulations swiftly, with the aim of transforming the South China Sea into a zone of peace, friendship, and cooperation. He also cautioned against external forces meddling in regional affairs, provoking divisive confrontations, and promoting a Cold War mindset, all of which could undermine the hard-fought peace and stability in the region.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Don acknowledged the growing uncertainties on the international and regional fronts. He affirmed Thailand’s desire to deepen dialogue and exchanges with China, enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors. Don expressed Thailand’s commitment to advancing the China-Laos-Thailand railway connection project and working collaboratively for shared development.
