Thai King makes historic visit to China

(CLO) On November 14, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida.

This is the first visit by the King of Thailand to China since the two countries established diplomatic relations 50 years ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, and Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida. Photo: Xinhua

King Vajiralongkorn arrived in Beijing on the afternoon of November 13, starting a five-day visit that will last until November 17. On November 14, he met with President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the Great Hall of the People.

Mr. Xi Jinping stressed that the visit reflects the “great importance” that Thailand attaches to bilateral relations.

Xi affirmed that China is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with Thailand, promote major projects such as the China-Thailand Railway, and expand cooperation in new areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and aerospace.

China also pledged to support the Thai royal family's public welfare projects, exchange experiences in poverty alleviation and improve people's livelihoods.

The Thai king expressed his delight at the state visit. He is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang later on November 14 before attending a state banquet.

Bilateral relations have grown since the Cold War, when Thailand once viewed China as a threat. China is now Thailand’s top source of tourists and a major investor, especially in the auto industry. Last year, Thailand imported $80 billion worth of goods from China.

Xinhua News Agency emphasized that the thousands of years of trade history between the two countries, from Thai rice, spices, tin ore in exchange for Chinese porcelain, silk, tea and ironware, is the foundation for building current bilateral relations.

Source: https://congluan.vn/quoc-vuong-thai-lan-co-chuyen-tham-lich-su-den-trung-quoc-10317775.html