BANGKOK — Thailand and China have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, with talks focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defense industry collaboration and efforts to resolve the Thai-Cambodian border issue through peaceful dialogue.
Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen met Chinese Defense Minister Adm. Dong Jun on Friday during the latter’s official visit to Thailand.
According to the Defense Ministry, the two sides discussed expanding their comprehensive strategic partnership, including responsible AI, cybersecurity, military technology and closer cooperation against transnational crime.
They also reaffirmed support for resolving the Thai-Cambodian border issue through bilateral mechanisms and peaceful negotiations.
After the meeting, Adul said Dong had pledged China’s support for Thailand while stressing Beijing would remain neutral because both Thailand and Cambodia are “good friends of China.”
Adul said China is looking to expand military cooperation with Thailand beyond defense equipment to include training, technology and AI, but denied reports that Beijing had offered to mediate the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. “He did not say that,” Adul said.