China and Thailand to expand military ties amid Asia-Pacific ‘security challenges’
- Defence Minister Li Shangfu tells the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief that Beijing is ready for more cooperation
- The two militaries are planning more joint drills this year
“China stands ready to work with Thailand to implement to the letter the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries … and to push for more fruit of cooperation between the two militaries, especially between the two armies,” the defence ministry quoted Li as saying.
The meeting comes about seven months after Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Bangkok.
Li said there were plans this year for various joint exercises between the two countries, including “Assault 2023” and “Peace and Friendship 2023”.
“Against the backdrop of the Asia-Pacific currently facing some security challenges, China is willing to jointly maintain regional stability with Thailand and ensure lasting security in the region,” he said, adding there was “good momentum” in the development of the two militaries’ relations.
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