Fri Nov 14 14:38:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
China and Thailand Pledge Closer Ties, Xi Jinping Calls Relationship ‘Family’
Beijing, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to deepen ties with Thailand, describing the two nations as “family” during the first official visit to China by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The meeting signals a strengthening of relations amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, President Xi expressed China’s intent to “strengthen strategic alignment” with Thailand during a meeting with King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida. The King’s visit marks his first major state visit since ascending to the throne nine years ago.
Xi Jinping highlighted potential areas for expanded cooperation, including the China-Thailand railway link and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, and the digital economy. He noted that King Vajiralongkorn’s decision to make China his first state visit underscores the importance Thailand places on the relationship.
King Vajiralongkorn reciprocated, characterizing the relationship as “brotherly cooperation” and expressing his desire to deepen exchanges across various sectors.
The Thai royals’ itinerary includes visits to a Buddhist temple, an aerospace development hub in Beijing, and a state banquet.
While Thailand was historically a key U.S. ally, China has become the kingdom’s largest trading partner and a significant supplier of military equipment. Recent cooperation has focused on combating cross-border crime, including telecommunications fraud and illegal gambling operations that target Chinese nationals. Thailand recently extradited a Chinese national allegedly linked to scam operations in Myanmar.
The strengthened relationship comes at a time when China has also sought to mediate regional tensions, including pushing for a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following recent border clashes. While a truce was initially brokered, it has proven fragile, with recent incidents reigniting tensions.
First Piper 