Thailand has moved to enhance relations and cooperation with China in many areas, especially economic cooperation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that Thailand and China should use free trade agreements (FTAs) in the frameworks of both the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-China FTAs to increase their trade.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, on 6 February 2025, during her visit to China from 5 to 8 February.

Both sides emphasized their readiness for cooperation in reforming the agro-industry and promoting supply chain linkages. Thailand places importance on the safety of agricultural products and on technology and innovation to move the new economy forward. 

Concerning durian exports to China, Prime Minister Paetongtarn said that the Thai government has taken serious action to upgrade the quality of Thai durian and create confidence in its safety among Chinese consumers.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations in 2025, Thailand proposed that both countries strengthen people-to people contact by increasing the number of sister cities between them to 50 pairs this year. Thailand also plans to issue commemorative stamps to mark this special occasion.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn and the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China also witnessed the signing of 14 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Thailand and China for cooperation in various areas, such as artificial intelligence, green development, space exploration, and the digital economy. Among the 14 MOUs is cooperation in information exchange between the Government Public Relations Department of Thailand and Xinhua News Agency. 

Also, on 6 February, Prime Minister Paetongtarn met and discussed a variety of topics with Mr. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and members of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China.

The Prime Minister left Beijing for Harbin on 7 February to attend the opening of the 2025 Asian Winter Games.