Anutin seeks Chinese AI ties

Thailand is seeking new economic opportunities through closer cooperation with China, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, clean energy and other future industries. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai on Thursday during an official visit to China. Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the talks were wide-ranging and substantive. Mr Xi reaffirmed that Thailand and China were "one family" and pledged support for the Thai government's efforts to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries. Both sides agreed to pursue greater cooperation in trade, investment, AI, innovation, future industries and regional security. Ms Rachada said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to promoting long-term prosperity for both countries and the wider region. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to building on longstanding bilateral ties through practical cooperation aimed at boosting economic growth, enhancing Thailand's competitiveness and creating opportunities for their peoples. Mr Anutin described China as one of Thailand's oldest and most trusted partners, saying cooperation should be strengthened across all sectors, particularly those shaping the economy of the future. He said AI would be a key driver of national competitiveness over the next decade and proposed joint development of AI technology, workforce skills and governance frameworks to maximise benefits while addressing challenges such as online crime and climate change. The prime minister also proposed expanding cooperation in AI, semiconductors, health technology, clean energy and green industries. He invited leading Chinese technology firms to establish manufacturing bases and regional headquarters in Thailand, strengthen supply chains, develop local talent and increase the use of domestic raw materials to create high-quality jobs and improve the country's competitiveness. Both governments agreed to accelerate connectivity across land, sea and air transport networks, including regional railway development, to facilitate trade, investment and travel. They also pledged to expand cooperation in space technology, public health, human resource development and people-to-people exchanges. On security, Mr Anutin proposed establishing a Thailand-China "2+2" mechanism bringing together foreign and defence ministers from both countries for strategic dialogue. The initiative would strengthen cooperation against online crime through intelligence-sharing and coordinated responses to emerging security threats. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the visit marked a significant milestone, with more than 150 executives from 48 Thai companies taking part in business-matching sessions with Chinese investors. "The world is experiencing a genuine shift," he said. "A new investment wave is emerging, comparable to the Japanese investment boom of the 1980s." Board of Investment secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said Mr Anutin would inaugurate the BoI's fourth overseas investment promotion office in Chengdu, focusing on western China, a region of growing importance for advanced technology and clean-energy industries. Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.