APD news Shannon

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Thailand. 

During the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting, the leaders of both countries jointly announced that the 50th anniversary will be celebrated as the “the Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship.”

The emblem unveiling ceremony for the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations was held in Bangkok on November 19. Thai Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Maris Sangiampongsa and Chinese Ambassador of Mr Han Zhiqiang delivered speeches at the event, which was attended by about 200 representatives from the government departments, business circles, youth groups, and the media. The event was filled with warm and friendly discussions of the China-Thailand friendship and aspirations for the future.

Ambassador Han highlighted the longstanding and deep friendship between China and Thailand, emphasizing that the upcoming 50th anniversary is both a milestone and a new starting point bilateral relation. He reaffirmed China's commitment to promoting the friendship between two countries and achieving greater progress in building a community with a shared destiny. 

Foreign Minister Maris noted that since the signing of the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Thailand on July 1, 1975, relations between the two countries have developed steadily, and the friendship has remained steadfast. He introduced the theme for the 50th anniversary, “the Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship,” with the slogan, “China and Thailand, One Hearts, One Communnity, Shared Future.” He called for making the anniversary an opportunity to deepen the friendship between two countries, ensuring it endures for generations.

The commemorative emblem unveiled at the ceremony features a Chinese dragon and a Thai Naga intertwined to form the number “50” presented in the colors of the two national flags. The two mythical creatures face a golden pearl in the center, symbolizing the shared goal of building a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable community of China-Thailand destiny.

Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Thailand have adhered to the principles of equality, mutual trust, and win-win cooperation, achieving significant results in politics, economics, culture, and education. In recent years, bilateral trade has grown steadily, with China consistently remaining Thailand’s largest trading partner. Projects such as the China-Thailand high-speed railway under the Belt and Road Initiative framework have boosted economic growth and contributed to regional connectivity.

In cultural exchanges, the two countries have deepened people-to-people connections. Annual events such as the “China Cultural Festival” and the “Thai Songkran Festival” have become vital bridges for mutual culture understanding. This year’s celebrations featured traditional art performances and a youth exchange forum to further enhance the connection between the peoples of the two nations.

The 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations is not only a reflection on past achievements but also a blueprint for the future. In an era of global uncertainties, the strong cooperation between China and Thailand stands as a model of peace and development for the international community.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)