Ask the internet ‘what are the qualities of a good friendship’, among the long list of search results, a pair of obvious answers stand out - ‘understanding’ and ‘respect’. The same may be said of the Thai - China bilateral relations.
In the opening remarks at the launch of the official logo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Thailand and China’s diplomatic relations, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said that the friendship between the two countries is based on mutual “understanding and respect” which brought about common prosperity.
“We have been through ups and downs together and the two countries have always been supportive of each other”, he said.
China's Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang’s remarks also echos the Thai side saying “Under the tumultuous world situation, China will adhere to peaceful development… we will always be a trustworthy friend for Thailand”.
Reflecting the sentiment of the two sides is the 50th Anniversary official logo, which was jointly designed by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The intertwining dragon and naga looking at a yellow-gold orb signifies that both parties are aiming for the same goal of ‘shared future for enhanced stability, prosperity and stability’.
During the opening remarks, Maris also recalls a part of the recent conversation between the Thai prime minister and the Chinese leader at a bilateral meeting in Lima last week.
“President Xi Jinping mentioned the close ties between the two countries and calls it a special relationship which no countries have”, Maris said.
Thailand and the People’s Republic of China signed a Joint Communique on the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations on July 1, 1975 - the relationship will mark its golden anniversary in 2025.
In addition to the official 50th anniversary logo, both governments are making arrangements to bring the Buddha relics for a temporary exhibition in Thailand on December 4.
Thai government website also said that China will send a couple of giant pandas as ambassadors to Thailand to mark the anniversary.
Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes.
2024 estimates shows that China’s GDP is at US$17.8 trillion dollars, while Thailand’s economy is at US$528.92 billion.
