Thailand & China agree to boost defense cooperation

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BANGKOK, 25 April 2015 – The Thai Ministry of Defense and China’s Central Military Commission have agreed on the plan to strengthen defense cooperation.

On an official visit to Thailand, vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission ACM Xu Qiliang has stressed China’s readiness to support the Thai government’s peace process and attempts to solve internal problems.

During the talks, the vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission and Deputy PM for defense and Defense Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan concurred with the idea of forging defense ties on four issues: the upgrading of military cooperation, the expansion of joint training covering three branches of military, the development for defense industry and the establishment of ASEAN military medical center in Thailand.

Gen. Prawit showed his approval of the idea by setting up a special committee to study each other’s proposals. The Deputy PM and Defense Minister added that he wished to see more collaborations on research and development in the area of defense industry between Thailand and China. The Gen. also took this opportunity to express his appreciation of the 40-year-old friendship between the two countries.

Vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission ACM Xu Qiliang is scheduled to visit the Kingdom between April 23 and 27 upon the invitation of the Ministry of Defense.