Thailand – China to advance cooperation in digital economy and future industries
July 20, 2026, at 1100hrs (Beijing local time), at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul had a plenary meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek disclosed gist of the meeting as follows:
Both Thailand and China are committed to elevating Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which covers infrastructure connectivity, suppression of transnational crime, and promotion of future technologies, security, tourism, modern trade and investment, especially in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. This is for the shared benefits of the people of both nations and for promotion of regional peace and prosperity.
The Chinese Prime Minister mentioned the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China last year, and underscored the need to further strengthen cooperation in order to foster peace, stability, and prosperity for the region and the global community.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government for the royally-fitting welcome during the recent state visit to China of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen during the royal visit to China. He reaffirmed Thailand’s support for China as host of APEC and confirmed his participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen this November.
Five Key Areas of Cooperation
The Prime Minister proposed accelerating cooperation in 3 key areas and agreed on 2 additional areas, as follows:
Trade and Investment
Thailand called on China to increase imports of high-quality Thai fruits and processed foods, while welcoming quality Chinese investment that helps elevate Thai businesses into global supply chains. This includes promoting the use of domestic raw materials, technology transfer, workforce skill development, and compliance with the Thai laws. Both sides also agreed to expedite conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement to benefit Chinese investors using Thailand as a production base.
Infrastructure Connectivity
Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to completing Phase 1 of the Thai–Chinese high-speed rail project by 2030, while preparing for Phase 2. They also agreed to proceed with the construction of the second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge and the Chiang Khong–Nateuy–Mohan railway, linking Southern China with Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Security cooperation
Both sides came to terms to establish a 2+2 mechanism between the Foreign Ministers and Defense Ministers of Thailand and China as a strategic dialogue platform, with Thailand as host the inaugural meeting. They also agreed to expand cooperation in defense industry development and personnel training.
Science, Technology, and Innovation
Thailand and China commit to intensifying collaboration in the digital economy and future industries, i.e., artificial intelligence, health technologies, space, nuclear energy, and quantum science.