Sanaa: Thailand and China have agreed to establish a new 2+2 dialogue mechanism involving their foreign and defense ministers, aiming to deepen their strategic cooperation in areas such as security, trade, technology, and regional connectivity. This significant development was announced following discussions between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Beijing.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Thai Prime Minister's Office released a statement confirming that the new 2+2 mechanism is intended to bolster coordination on foreign and security policy. Thailand has offered to host the inaugural meeting of this initiative. Additionally, the two nations have committed to enhancing cooperation in the defense industry and personnel development. The leaders also emphasized the importance of combating transnational crime through enhanced intelligence sharing and joint efforts against online scams and financial fraud.
Anutin expressed Thailand's dedication to strengthening its relationship with China, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, and regional connectivity. He urged for increased imports of Thai agricultural products by China, welcomed high-quality Chinese investments, and reiterated Thailand's resolve to complete the first phase of the Thailand-China high-speed railway by 2030.
The agreement also includes plans to collaborate in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, innovation, health technology, nuclear energy, and quantum technology. Following their talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of 15 agreements and memorandums of understanding covering areas like higher education, industry and supply chains, AI education, intellectual property, public health, nuclear fusion, anti-money laundering, water management, media cooperation, satellite navigation, deep-space exploration, and aquatic exports.
China remains Thailand's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $40 billion in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a growth of over 20% from the previous year, as per the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok. China has been Thailand's top export market for agricultural products for 13 consecutive years. Tourism also plays a vital role in the bilateral relationship, with 2.65 million Chinese tourists visiting Thailand by early July, according to the Chinese Embassy.
Prime Minister Anutin's visit to China, scheduled from July 16 to 20, includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. This year marks the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, which were established in 1975.