Thai and Chinese army chiefs discuss expanded cooperation
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) on Thursday discussed future military study exchange programmes with its Chinese counterparts as well as strengthening cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two nations and in the ASEAN region.
The talks took place as RTA Commander-in-Chief General Jaroenchai Hintao welcomed General Li Qiaoming, Commander of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on his official visit to Thailand as RTA’s guest.
The welcoming ceremony for the PLA chief was held at the RTA headquarters in Bangkok with a full guard of honour and was followed by a tour of the RTA Museum in Honour of His Majesty the King, which displays Thai military history, armaments and innovations.
The two army chiefs discussed opportunities to expand military study exchange programmes to cover more subjects, levels and institutes. The current Thai-Chinese military exchange programmes are available only at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, Command and General Staff College, and the National Defence College.
The two parties also discussed cooperation in hosting military exercises between the two nations and with partner countries, as well as the development of military intelligence in cyber security and national security technology.
Earlier this week General Li visited General Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to discuss joint military research and training programmes.
From November 6-9, Thailand hosted the Defence and Security 2023 event at Impact Nonthaburi, in which China participated and showcased its modern defence technology, especially against cyber threats.
