Xi Jinping Meets Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn to Advance Bilateral Ties

Historic Meeting in Beijing Underscores Deepening China-Thailand Relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant meeting with King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand in Beijing on Friday, November 14, 2025. The Thai monarch was accompanied by Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana during this landmark state visit. The discussions centered on fostering a 'China-Thailand community with a shared future,' highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations.

This visit marks a pivotal moment as it is the first state visit to China by a reigning Thai monarch since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1975. The occasion also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, a milestone referred to as the 'Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship.'

Strengthening a 'Family-Like' Bond

During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping emphasized the profound relationship between China and Thailand, often described by the phrase 'Jeen Thai Phee Nong Gan,' meaning 'China and Thailand are as close as one family.' He expressed China's appreciation for the Thai royal family's historical contributions to promoting this friendship and offered condolences for the recent passing of Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation over the next 50 years, aiming to write a new chapter in China-Thailand friendship. King Maha Vajiralongkorn conveyed Thailand's interest in learning from China's development experiences and broadening collaboration across various sectors.

Areas of Enhanced Cooperation

The discussions covered a wide array of cooperative initiatives designed to deepen bilateral ties. Key areas identified for enhanced collaboration include:

• Advancing major infrastructure projects, such as the China-Thailand railway.
• Increasing imports of Thailand's high-quality agricultural products.
• Expanding cooperation in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, digital economy, aviation, and aerospace.
• Strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges to foster deeper understanding and ties.
• China's active support for the Royal Thai Volunteers and other philanthropic endeavors of the Royal Household.

President Xi highlighted China's focus on high-quality development and high-standard opening up, while Thailand is in a crucial stage of national development and rejuvenation.

Welcoming Ceremony and Future Outlook

Prior to the meeting, a grand welcoming ceremony was held at the square outside the Eastern Entrance of the Great Hall of the People. The ceremony featured a military band playing the national anthems of both countries, a 21-gun salute in Tiananmen Square, and a review of the guard of honor by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan later hosted a welcoming banquet for the royal couple.

This state visit underscores the mutual desire of China and Thailand to elevate their strategic partnership and ensure continued stability, prosperity, and sustainability for both nations. The leaders' commitment to a shared future is expected to yield significant benefits for their respective peoples in the decades to come.