IRIA News

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China’s President Xi Jinping met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing on February 6, 2025. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation amidst escalating global uncertainties.

This meeting coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and follows the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. China’s escalating trade war with the U.S. has prompted Chinese companies to relocate production to countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia to circumvent these tariffs.

Xi emphasized the digital economy and electric vehicles as promising sectors for enhanced bilateral cooperation. “In the face of unprecedented changes not seen for a hundred years, China and Thailand should deepen mutual trust over strategic interests and firmly support each other,” Xi stated.

Bangkok-Kunming highspeed railway projects

A focal point of the discussions was the high-speed railway project, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The ambitious plan aims to link Bangkok to Kunming through Laos, enhancing regional connectivity.

The first phase of the railway project, spanning 251 kilometers from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is currently under construction. Thai Government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri detailed that this phase includes six stations: Bangkok, Bang Sue Grand Station, Don Muang, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, and Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

The project comprises 15 construction contracts, with one completed, ten underway, and three pending authorizations. The first phase is scheduled for completion by 2026.

The subsequent phase will extend the railway from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, near the Laos border, ultimately connecting with the Laos-China railway that began operations in 2021. This extension is expected to be operational by 2030, following delays due to financial disagreements and the COVID-19 pandemic. Thai Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit emphasized the project’s significance in positioning Thailand as a global logistics hub.

Online fraud and scam centers

Beyond infrastructure, both leaders addressed pressing security concerns, particularly the rise of online fraud and scam centers operated from Thailand affecting the security of Chinese citizens. The recent rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing from a scam center in Myanmar, after being lured to Thailand, has heightened these concerns among the Chinese government and the public alike.

Thailand, heavily reliant on Chinese tourists, is keen to reassure visitors of their safety. Prime Minister Paetongtarn affirmed, “The safety of people and tourists visiting Thailand is the government’s highest priority,” and announced plans for a collaborative warning system to combat crime. She added, “Thailand is ready to work with China to suppress criminal activity that passes through Thailand.”

In response, President Xi expressed appreciation for Thailand’s efforts against online gambling and telecom fraud. He advocated for strengthened law enforcement, security, and judicial cooperation to protect citizens’ lives and property.

The discussions also touched upon broader regional issues. Both leaders pledged to crack down on scam networks operating in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, where individuals are often trafficked and coerced into fraudulent activities.

Thailand’s recent decision to cut electricity to certain Myanmar border areas aims to disrupt these scam operations. This summit, marking Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s inaugural visit to China as Prime Minister, underscores the commitment of both nations to address shared challenges and strengthen their partnership.

Meeting with Sultan of Brunei

Separately on February 6, Xi Jinping also met with the Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination between their nations.

During his meeting with the Sultan, Xi highlighted that since establishing diplomatic relations over 30 years ago, China and Brunei have continuously deepened their political mutual trust, aligned development strategies, and achieved significant progress in practical cooperation across various fields.

He noted that both countries have maintained strong coordination in international and regional affairs, setting an example of equality and mutual benefit between nations of different sizes. Their collaboration has also contributed positively to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

Xi underscored that jointly building a China-Brunei community with a shared future aligns with the broader trends of the times, serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their people, and marks a new chapter in their bilateral relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah in Beijing on Thursday, calling on the two countries to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination. pic.twitter.com/CcqnKjNYKF

— Yu Dunhai (@YDunhai) February 6, 2025

He called for further deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination, urging both nations to continue respecting and trusting each other. According to China’s statement-owned media sources, he stressed the importance of maintaining their strong relationship as good neighbors across the sea, and good partners in pursuit of common development.