Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai Saturday for a strategic consultation in Chiang Mai, during which the two sides exchanged in-depth views on the South China Sea issue.

The two sides positively evaluated the current situation in the South China Sea as stabilizing, and agreed to continue to resolve disputes through peaceful consultations and negotiations. As parties of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will jointly safeguard the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea.

The Thai side highly appreciated China's three-year vision for completing the South China Sea Code of Conduct consultations, and its willingness to work with other ASEAN countries to contribute to the regional and international community. 

Wang said that China and Thailand are close relatives and comprehensive strategic partners. China firmly supports the construction of the ASEAN and will fully support Thailand in fulfilling its rotating ASEAN presidency. China hopes Thailand can actively promote the interconnection between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the ASEAN so as to raise the level of defense and security cooperation, Wang added.

Wang pointed out that under the leadership of the high-level strategies of the two countries, China has become Thailand's largest trading partner, tourist source country and the largest source of international students. The two sides should accelerate the promotion of the China-Thai railway project, opening up a model of tripartite cooperation.

For his part, Don welcomed China's constant support and said that the China-proposed BRI brings more opportunities to Thailand's own development and Sino-Thai cooperation. He said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is looking forward to attending the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. He added that Thailand expects China to play a more important role in promoting global peace and development. 

(Cover: Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai (L) walks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. /MOFA Photo)