China plays up image of reliable partner during visits of monarchs

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Nov 14 rolled out the red carpet for the first Thai monarch to visit China since ties were established 50 years ago, seizing the opportunity to portray his nation as a benevolent neighbour and reliable economic partner.

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The arrival of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, and a visit earlier this week by Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, have been depicted by Chinese media as the outcome of friendly coexistence and a signal to other nations that China is trustworthy, in contrast to the economic unease set off by US President Donald Trump and his sharp tariff hikes in 2025.

Bilateral ties have evolved significantly since Thailand, firmly aligned with the US against communism during the Cold War, viewed China as a threat.

King Vajiralongkorn travelled to China once in 1987 as crown prince, sent by his father, who never visited despite invitations from Beijing.

Since the 1980s, the relationship between the two countries has strengthened, anchored by deep trade and investment links. China is a top source of visitors for Thailand’s vital tourism sector and a major investor in industries such as the auto sector.

Thailand bought US$80 billion (S$104 billion) worth of goods from China in 2024.