BEIJING, China – Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthumjaroen presented Thailand’s approach to strategic autonomy and regional security at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, held September 15-17 in Beijing. Speaking during a plenary session on international order and strategic stability, he described domestic resilience and respect for international law as foundations for independent decision-making in an increasingly multipolar world.
Lt. Gen. Adul identified mutual respect, mutual trust, and mutual benefit as key principles for international relations, while supporting dialogue, cooperation, and ASEAN centrality. He presented Thailand as a constructive partner that maintains friendly relations with all countries while developing its defense capabilities to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and escalation and support regional peace and stability.
During the visit, Lt. Gen. Adul toured China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), where he received briefings on command-and-control technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, and counter-UAV systems and explored opportunities for technology transfer and defense-industry cooperation. He also met Chinese Defense Minister Adm. Dong Jun to discuss bilateral defense relations, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging security challenges. The two ministers also witnessed the signing of an agreement between their naval authorities on granting military assistance for the Royal Thai Navy’s submarine procurement project. (NNT)
