Royal visit sets new milestone in relations

China-Thailand relations are at their best in history and Beijing will join hands with Bangkok to continue the long-term friendship, consolidate mutual trust, deepen win-win cooperation and promote people-to-people exchanges, says Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei.

"The recent state visit by the King of Thailand to China — the first since the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic relations — is a milestone in Sino-Thai relations and laid a solid foundation for future cooperation," Zhang said at a news conference on Monday.

On Nov 13, Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana embarked on a five-day state visit to China, where they toured institutions in Beijing that underline China's advancements in science, technology, innovation and education.

The royal couple visited the China Academy of Space Technology and the Beijing Aerospace City, where they were introduced to key Chinese space technologies, including a model space station, and a manned spacecraft with a simulated laboratory, living quarters and sanitation facilities.

At the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, the king and queen held an extended conversation with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station through a long-distance communication system. This marked the first time a foreign head of state has spoken directly with China's space mission crew in orbit.

Zhang said the king's decision to visit China as the first major country on an official trip fully demonstrated the great importance Thailand's top leadership attaches to advancing bilateral relations. During the visit, leaders from both nations charted a course for the future development of the partnership, he said.

"We will expand cooperation for common interests, further promote the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor strategy, speed up the construction of railway links, and deepen the existing cooperation in traditional sectors."

Zhang highlighted opportunities for Sino-Thai cooperation in the digital economy, green industry, electric vehicles, space technology and lunar research. "China also welcomes more high-quality agricultural products to enter our market, benefiting people from both sides," he said.

Sparking enthusiasm

In addition to strengthening mutual trust and understanding between the people of the two nations, Zhang said the state visit went viral online, with the royal couple winning over many Chinese fans. It also sparked enthusiasm among Chinese people to travel to Thailand.

"China will join hands with Thailand to deepen our collaboration in all-round fields, including education, sport, healthcare and poverty alleviation, sharing Chinese experiences and bringing better lives to people in both countries," he said.

Regarding regional and international issues, Zhang said China is willing to enhance coordination with Thailand; advocate an equal, multipolar world and an inclusive, beneficial economic globalization; and jointly build a peaceful, secure, prosperous and beautiful Asia.

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the "Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship", Zhang said, "China looks forward to yielding more fruitful outcomes in building a China-Thailand community with a shared future, composing a new chapter in bilateral friendship, and steering the relationship toward a more glorious next 50 years."

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn