China is ready to expand military cooperation with Thailand in an effort to maintain regional stability, with a series of joint drills planned for this year.
China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu offered the assurance to Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, at talks in Beijing on Saturday, according to the South China Morning Post. “China stands ready to work with Thailand to implement to the latter the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries … and push for more fruitful cooperation between the two militaries, especially between the two armies,” said Gen Li as quoted by the SCMP.
The meeting comes about seven months after Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met on the sidelines of the Apec summit in Bangkok.
Gen Li said there are plans this year for various joint exercises between the…
