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Post by : Badri Ariffin
Beijing, July 20: Thailand and China have agreed to establish a new 2+2 dialogue mechanism involving their foreign and defence ministers, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral security cooperation. The agreement also includes closer collaboration to combat transnational online scam networks, enhance intelligence sharing, expand defence cooperation, and deepen economic and technological ties.
The announcement came after high-level talks between Thailand's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. The meeting concluded Anutin's official visit to China, which began on July 16 and included stops in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing.
According to the Thai government, the discussions reflected both countries' commitment to expanding their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership while promoting regional peace, security, and long-term economic growth.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to create a 2+2 dialogue, bringing together the foreign and defence ministers of both nations for regular strategic discussions on regional security, defence cooperation, and emerging threats.
Thailand has offered to host the inaugural meeting under the new framework. Both governments also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the defence industry, encourage technology transfer, and improve military personnel training and development.
The proposal had already received political backing during Anutin's earlier meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai on July 17, where both sides also supported stronger intelligence exchanges and joint efforts against cybercrime and other cross-border security threats.
A major focus of the discussions was the growing threat posed by transnational online scam operations.
Anutin said Thailand remains committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in online fraud, financial scams, and illegal businesses. He expressed particular concern over criminal activities operating along Thailand's borders with Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
To improve enforcement, Thailand proposed expanding intelligence sharing, exchanging financial transaction data, and improving cooperation in criminal investigations. The Thai Prime Minister also called for greater information sharing on the organisers and financial beneficiaries behind scam syndicates to strengthen prevention and prosecution efforts.
According to the Thai government, Thailand has already helped facilitate the return of 7,894 Chinese nationals who became victims of fraudulent recruitment schemes that lured them into neighbouring countries.
Thailand also urged China to encourage neighbouring countries to take stronger action against online scam centres operating within their territories.
Supporting these efforts, Thailand's Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and China's Ministry of Public Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to exchange financial intelligence aimed at combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and other forms of transnational crime.
Beyond security, both countries agreed to accelerate cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and future industries.
Thailand proposed increasing Chinese imports of competitive Thai products, particularly fresh fruits and high-quality processed food, to strengthen food security while offering Chinese consumers greater product choices.
Anutin also welcomed greater Chinese investment that supports local supply chains, increases the use of Thai materials and businesses, and promotes knowledge and technology transfer. He stressed that foreign investments should comply with Thai laws and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Infrastructure development remained another priority during the talks.
Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to completing the first phase of the Thailand-China high-speed railway by 2030 while continuing discussions on the project's second phase based on mutual benefits.
The Thai government is also discussing the construction of a second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge with Laos and hopes China will support the initiative.
Additionally, Thailand proposed advancing the Chiang Khong–Na Teuy–Mohan railway corridor, which is expected to further improve transport connectivity between Thailand, Laos, and China.
The two countries also agreed to expand cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in sectors expected to drive future economic growth.
Thailand identified several priority areas for collaboration, including:
Officials said closer cooperation in these sectors would strengthen technological capabilities, create new business opportunities, and improve long-term competitiveness for both countries.
Several agreements signed after the meeting reflected these priorities, including cooperation on nuclear fusion research, the application of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, AI education, and the establishment of a joint Thailand-China Deep Space Exploration Laboratory.
The leaders also discussed the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border situation.
Anutin thanked China for supporting peaceful efforts to resolve the dispute through bilateral negotiations. He said Thailand wants to begin a new phase of relations with Cambodia through dialogue based on sincerity and mutual trust.
While acknowledging that the border situation remains sensitive, he emphasised that it should not undermine broader regional cooperation under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation framework.
Thailand also expressed hope that China would continue encouraging both sides to return to diplomatic negotiations to preserve regional peace and stability.
Anutin described the state visit to China by Thailand's King and Queen last year as an important milestone in bilateral relations.
He renewed an invitation for President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to visit Thailand. If accepted, it would mark the first visit by a Chinese premier to Thailand in seven years.
Thailand also reaffirmed its support for China's hosting of APEC 2026, with Anutin confirming that he plans to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen this November.
Following the bilateral talks, Thailand and China signed 15 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding covering a broad range of sectors.
The agreements include cooperation on:
In addition, three separate media cooperation agreements were signed between Thailand's Public Relations Department and Chinese media organisations including Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily, and China Media Group.
Premier Li Qiang later hosted an official luncheon in honour of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife, marking the conclusion of the official visit.
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