At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand is on a state visit to China from Thursday to Monday. The visit has garnered comprehensive coverage not only from Chinese and Thai media, but also significant attention from international outlets. Why has this visit captured the world's spotlight?

Thai PBS World commented that this historic visit is set to "write a new chapter in China-Thailand friendship." Since the establishment of diplomatic ties on July 1, 1975, the royal family of Thailand has played a significant role in promoting China-Thailand relations. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, a recipient of China's Friendship Medal, has visited China more than 50 times. The visit by the Thai King marks the first time a reigning monarch of Thailand has visited China since diplomatic relations were established 50 years ago, filling a gap in the history of bilateral exchanges.

Since his ascension to the throne in 2016, King Maha Vajiralongkorn has made only one official trip abroad to Bhutan. China is the first major country he has officially visited. This demonstrates the profound tradition of friendship that the Thai royal family holds toward China, Ge Hongliang, deputy director of the College of ASEAN Studies at Guangxi University for Nationalities, told the Global Times. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and "the Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship." This historic visit signifies that the concept of "China and Thailand are as close as one family" has reached new heights, Ge noted. 

Why are the relations between the two nations characterized as "one family" and have maintained robust development throughout the past half-century? Ge attributes this to the consistent pragmatism upheld by both sides. In 1975, the two countries demonstrated a pragmatic spirit by establishing diplomatic relations, a move that broke from the constraints of the Cold War and differing ideologies. Since then, despite various changes in Thailand's political landscape, China-Thailand relations have remained strong.

In recent years, guided by high-level strategic leadership, the concept of "China and Thailand are as close as one family" has transformed into a powerful driving force for bilateral relations. Thailand has fostered multifaceted collaboration spanning security, economic, and people-to-people exchanges with China. In the security realm, China and Thailand hold regular joint exercises. On the economic front, Thailand stands as the first ASEAN country to implement a free trade agreement with China. Regarding people-to-people exchanges, the special cultural affinity between the two nations is evident everywhere.

Thailand is a founding member of ASEAN and the second largest economy in Southeast Asia. The Thai King's visit not only continues a traditional friendship but also serves as an important signal to other ASEAN nations that China has consistently been a reliable partner for all countries in the region against the backdrop of complex geopolitical shifts. China attaches great importance to neighborhood diplomacy, always prioritizes the neighborhood on its diplomatic agenda, and remains committed to forging friendship and partnership with its neighbors, and promoting regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

This historic visit is also expected to elevate the China-Thailand partnership to a new stage of higher-quality development. The King's reported itinerary, which includes tours to Beijing Aerospace City and the Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics in Beijing, may signal the two nations' intent to foster new synergies in frontier fields like aerospace technology and artificial intelligence. This aligns with the development needs of both countries. China has technological advantages in areas such as aerospace technology, digital economy and green energy, while Thailand is actively promoting its "Thailand 4.0" strategy. There is broad scope for cooperation between the two sides during the process of transformation and upgrading.

The Thai King's visit sends a clear message to the world: China is an "unmovable neighbor" and a partner for common development. This approach, based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation, will not only write a new chapter in the shared destiny of China and Thailand but also offers time-tested Eastern wisdom for interactions between countries.

(Source: Global Times)