Sino-Thai ties: Kinship and complexity

Today marks two significant milestones. Firstly, Thailand and China are commemorating a golden jubilee — the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Countless personalities and factors have contributed to the strengthening and continued relevance of Zhong Tai yi jia gin — China and Thailand are one family. Looking back, this family has been tested through trial and error. The notion of “one family” also holds special meaning, as the slogan has been frequently cited by the two countries’ leaders as the foundation of their bilateral relations.

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

Secondly, it also marks the start of anew journey on which both countries must jointly embark over the next half-century amid global uncertainties. No one can predict the future outcome of this familial relationship, given the ongoing geopolitical, geoeconomic, and geotechnological competitions among great and emerging powers. Therefore, all stakeholders from both countries must work together for the celebration of the second golden jubilee.

Thailand and China have signed numerous comprehensive cooperative agreements since 1998. The then-Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan took the lead in Asean by signing the “Joint Declaration on Cooperation and Partnership for the 21st Century” with China on Nov 26, 1998, setting the tone for a closer strategic relationship.

Later, similar arrangements were pursued by other Asean members. Now both countries are pursuing “A shared community of enhanced stability, sustainability and prosperity” based on people-centred approaches.

Right now, China's development and growing power in all domains have been astonishing and unstoppable. The most populous country is also becoming one of the world’s most powerful countries in setting guardrails for more equitable relations among nations. Within the region, China has already become the preeminent player in all aspects of existence, with all its consequences, real or imagined.

However, on the Thai side, the country remains in its sabai-sabai mode of development and progress, despite all the superfluous dreams and visions mapped out by the present ruling coalition and its predecessors. The country is still embroiled in domestic problems and struggling with basic structural reforms and overall effort to catch up with its developed Asean colleagues.