BEIJING – A landmark state visit by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua to China has underscored five decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation across economic, cultural, and technological fields.
The King, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, was welcomed by President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan at the Great Hall of the People on 14 November 2025.
The ceremony featured a guard of honour, the playing of national anthems, and a 21-gun salute in Tiananmen Square, followed by a review of the People’s Liberation Army.
During their meeting, President Xi expressed condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. He highlighted the Thai Royal Family’s longstanding role in fostering bilateral friendship, describing China and Thailand as “good relatives, good friends, and good partners.”
The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, a milestone celebrated as the “Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship.” Xi emphasised that both countries stand at a “new historical starting point” and pledged to build a stronger community with a shared future over the next half-century.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Beijing is prepared to enhance strategic alignment with Thailand. This includes advancing major infrastructure projects such as the China-Thailand railway, boosting imports of Thai agricultural products, and expanding collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital economy, aviation, and aerospace.
Xi also stressed the importance of cultural exchanges, poverty alleviation cooperation, and support for Thai Royal Family welfare initiatives.
For Thailand, the King noted the remarkable transformation China has undergone since his last visit, praising its achievements in economic and social development.
He expressed Thailand’s intention to learn from China’s experience, broaden cooperation across multiple sectors, and strengthen people-to-people ties to ensure the friendship takes deeper root among both nations.
Observers view the visit as highly symbolic, given that it is the first official trip to China by a reigning Thai monarch since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975.
Analysts suggest the event demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to closer alignment with Beijing, particularly in areas of trade, technology, and regional connectivity.
The royal visit, which follows similar engagements by other foreign leaders, has been portrayed by Chinese media as evidence of Beijing’s role as a reliable partner in Asia.
It also reflects Thailand’s strategic balancing in the region, where cooperation with China is increasingly vital for economic growth and infrastructure development.
