Thailand - China to expand military cooperation

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu received and held talks with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army Narongphan Jitkaewtae in Beijing on June 10.

Chinese and Thai armies to hold joint exercises this year

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST SCREENSHOT

The South China Morning Post quoted Minister Li as saying that China is willing to work with Thailand to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and promote more effective cooperation between the two militaries, especially between the two armies.

The meeting comes seven months after Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bangkok.

Mr. Li said that the two countries have many joint exercise plans this year, including the "Strike 2023" and "Peace and Friendship 2023" exercises.

"As the Asia-Pacific region faces a number of security challenges, China is willing to work with Thailand to maintain regional stability and ensure long-term security there," Li said, adding that there is good momentum for the relationship between the two militaries to develop.

In response, Commander Jitkaewtae said Thailand appreciates and strongly supports China's important role in maintaining regional security and stability. He said the two countries are friends, partners, and good neighbors, and have achieved fruitful cooperation in the fields of trade, culture, and high-level exchanges.

ASEAN defense chiefs agree to hold joint exercises in the East Sea

In November 2022, President Xi and Prime Minister Prayuth signed a cooperation plan to promote China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The two leaders also pledged to build a safe and prosperous region for China and Southeast Asian countries.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/thai-lan-trung-quoc-se-mo-rong-hop-tac-quan-su-185230611081346965.htm