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China rolls out red carpet for first official visit by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn
Beijing hails monarch’s ‘first major country’ trip since he ascended the throne in 2016
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China has rolled out the red carpet for King Maha Vajiralongkorn on the Thai monarch’s first official visit to Beijing, a trip to mark the 50th anniversary of ties between the two countries.
The king arrived in the Chinese capital on Thursday afternoon and was greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The state visit, set in motion by an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, makes China “the first major country” the Thai king has visited officially since ascending the throne in 2016, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry.
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The Thai government said on Sunday that the visit would “strengthen even further the enduring friendship between the two countries”.
It would also enhance “the cordiality and mutual understanding in their people-to-people relations”, Thailand’s Bureau of Royal Household said.
On Friday, the king and Queen Suthida are scheduled to meet Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at the Great Hall of the People, followed by an audience with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The two couples are expected to attend a state banquet later that evening.
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