During 23 – 24 July 2017, Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, paid an official visit to Thailand as Guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

          On 24 July 2017, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China paid a courtesy call on H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, at the Government House and had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides discussed a wide range of topics covering bilateral and regional issues of common interest. Both sides exchanged views on China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Thai side informed on the policies and strategies for development in Thailand. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China delivered a formal invitation to the Thai Prime Minister to attend a meeting between the leaders of the BRICS countries and the leaders of new market and developing countries on politics and security during the 9th BRICS Summit to be held on 4-5 September in Xiamen, China. The Minister of Foreign Affairs informed the Chinese Foreign Minister of the Government's key policies and priorities, including Thailand 4.0, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), innovation, research and development, and sustainable development. Both sides recognized and emphasized the importance of the Thai-China Railway project. Both Ministers also exchanged views on ASEAN – China relations , the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Mekong – Lancang Cooperation (MLC) as well as China’s relations with major powers and role in the international arena. 

          After the bilateral meeting, both Ministers held a joint press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs also hosted a Luncheon in honour of the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs. During this visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China also had the opportunity to sign the condolence book in honour of the late King, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace.

          This is the second official visit to Thailand by the current Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China since the assumption of his duty and his first visit in the last four years. His first official visit took place during 30 April – 1 May 2013. This visit helped to strengthen Thai – Chinese Relations as strategic partners. Thai – Chinese relations have been strong with constant exchanges of visits and both countries are in the process of finalizing the draft of the 3rd Joint Action Plan on Thailand – China Strategic Cooperation (2017 – 2021) to chart future cooperation. This agreement will serve as a good basis of cooperation relating to Thailand's assumption of Chairmanship for the following fora 1) Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) in 2018, (2) ASEAN in 2019, and (3) APEC in 2022.