Thai PM Meets Chinese Parliament Chief on Cooperation
Thailand's PM met with China's parliament chief in Beijing to strengthen bilateral ties across politics, security, economics, and people-to-people relations, with new cooperation planned in space, AI, and electric vehicles.
Prime Minister Anuthon Chanthawong met with Zhang Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 20, 2026, following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes Monument in Tiananmen Square. Government spokesman Ratchada Thanadirek stated that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the 51-year Thai-Chinese friendship and advancing cooperation in new sectors such as space, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and sustainable environmental protection, with concrete benefits for both nations' peoples.
The prime minister identified four key cooperation pillars: First, politics and security, including high-level exchanges and a 2+2 mechanism between foreign affairs and defense ministries, plus joint efforts against transnational crime and online fraud networks. Second, economics and investment, promoting balanced trade and high-quality investment that creates jobs and value-added production in Thailand, alongside collaboration in science, technology, future industries, and infrastructure. Third, people-to-people relations through enhanced tourism, cultural exchange, and media cooperation to deepen Thai-Chinese understanding and closeness. Fourth, regional cooperation supporting ASEAN's central role, Mekong River basin collaboration, dialogue-based problem-solving, and support for peace in Myanmar.
The prime minister also encouraged increased legislative exchanges between the two parliaments and invited China's National People's Congress chairman to visit Thailand—a visit that would mark the first such official trip in 15 years. He expressed confidence that close cooperation between Thailand's government and legislature with China's will create economic opportunities, enhance security, and strengthen long-term regional stability.
China's National People's Congress chairman welcomed the prime minister's first official visit to China and hailed the success of the WAIC 2026 conference attendance and meetings with President Xi Jinping, pledging to advance bilateral cooperation into concrete implementation benefiting both peoples. He stated that China supports Thailand's modernization agenda, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital technology, space, health, and clean energy and environment sectors. Both sides agreed to closer collaboration in international forums including ASEAN-China frameworks and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, while upholding international principles under UN guidelines.
The Chinese parliament chief also praised the two legislatures' cooperation and expressed hope for joint exchange of approaches to elevate environmental laws and sustainable development, while extending invitations for Thailand's parliament speaker and vice speaker to visit China.
