Name: China plays up image as reliable partner during royal visits
Uploaded: 2025-11-14T15:38:03.464Z
Duration: 1 min 19 s
Description: Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday (November 14) rolled out the red carpet for the first Thai monarch to visit China since ties were established 50 years ago, as Beijing seized the chance to portray itself as a benevolent neighbor and reliable economic partner.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday (November 14) rolled out the red carpet for the first Thai monarch to visit China since ties were established 50 years ago, as Beijing seized the chance to portray itself as a benevolent neighbor and reliable economic partner.

Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, marking the first visit by a Thai king to China in 50 years. The event was used by Beijing to promote its image as a friendly neighbor and dependable economic partner, with Chinese media also highlighting a recent visit by Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia as evidence of strong international relations.

The visits come amid economic concerns over US tariff increases and follow a period of growing trade and investment between China and Thailand. China remains Thailand's leading source of tourists and a major investor, with Thailand importing $80 billion in Chinese goods last year. China also announced plans to strengthen its free trade agreement with ASEAN.

China plays up image as reliable partner during royal visits

Chinese leader Xi Jinping gave a warm welcome to Thailand's King Maha Wajilalongkorn and Queen Suthida on Friday. It's the first visit by a Thai king to China in 50 years, since the two countries started diplomatic ties. Beijing used the event to show itself as a friendly neighbor and a reliable economic partner. Chinese media highlighted this visit, along with one earlier this week, by Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, as proof of good relations. It contrasts with the economic worries caused by US President Donald Trump's big tariff increases this year. Thailand once saw China as a threat during the Cold War, when it was closely allied with the US against communism. The Thai king, then crowned prince, visited China once in 1987 at his father's request. His father never went, despite invitations. Since the Cold War ended, Thais have grown strong through trade and investment. China is Thailand's top source of tourists and a major investor in areas like car manufacturing. Last year, Thailand bought $80 billion in goods from China. It follows Trump's stop at the ASEAN Summit two weeks ago, where his main role was signing a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia. Meanwhile, China announced plans to strengthen its free trade deal with ASEAN.

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