Thailand has asked China to take its interests into account during Beijing’s negotiations with Iran on the reopening and management of the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday.
The request was made during a courtesy call by Wang Yi on Anutin at Government House.
Anutin said he told the visiting Chinese minister that shipping routes from the Middle East to China often pass through areas linked to Thailand’s logistics network.
He said Wang Yi had reassured Thailand that there is no need to worry, citing the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Anutin added that he had also sought China’s support in securing adequate fertiliser supplies, to protect Thailand’s agricultural sector, emphasising that cooperation from major partners such as China and Russia will be crucial in mitigating the broader economic fallout from the Middle East crisis.
On investment, China has shown strong interest in Thailand, particularly in the automotive, robotics and AI industries.
There were also discussions about the Thai Land Bridge project, which requires careful consideration. This comes as Indonesia is floating the idea of imposing transit fees on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Malacca.
“In the event of an emergency beyond our control, Thailand needs to consider alternative options,” Anutin said.
After calling on Anutin in the morning, the Chinese minister travelled to Krabi province, on Thailand’s west coast, to co-chair a foreign ministers’ meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Meanwhile, Sihasak held a press briefing in Krabi, following informal talks with Wang Yi, saying both sides acknowledged the importance of the Thailand–China relationship.
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, though, in reality, their relationship dates back much further, noted Sihasak.
China has often described Thai-Chinese relations as being akin to close relatives or even siblings, and are a model for the kind of relationship Thailand seeks with all ASEAN countries.
Both countries are to develop a five-year action plan to guide bilateral relations, including cooperation at the regional and international levels.
In terms of new dimensions to the relationship, he said economic ties should evolve into a partnership for shared development. This includes a stronger focus on innovation, technology, digital transformation and the transition to a green economy.
China plays a key role in areas such as solar energy and electric vehicles and has already invested significantly in Thailand, with plans to expand its presence.
