Xi Jinping Wants China-Thailand To Strengthen Global Uncertainty Opposite Relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping (DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and Thailand must strengthen mutual trust and expand cooperation to fight rising global uncertainty.

This was conveyed by Xi Jinping during a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing, Thursday, February 6.

The official visit of Thai leaders to China from February 5 to 8, was the first since taking office in August, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi alluded to projects such as the construction of high-speed trains connecting Bangkok with Kunming in southwest China. According to him, the digital economy and electric vehicles are additional areas for greater cooperation.

"In the face of unprecedented changes in the last 100 years, China and Thailand must deepen mutual trust in strategic interests and firmly support each other," Xi said.

His statement follows US President Donald Trump's decision to charge a new tariff of 10 percent on imports from China.

Online fraud and security issues became a major topic between the two, especially after Chinese actor Wang Xing was rescued from a fraud center in Myanmar following his kidnapping in Thailand, under the pretext of acting offers.

Thailand, which is concerned about its impact on the tourism sector, is seeking to allay concerns about safety among Chinese citizens, which accounts for the largest visitor group to the Southeast Asian nation.

The safety of the people and tourists visiting Thailand is the government's top priority, said Paetongtarn, stressing that the two countries will work together in a warning system to fight crime.

"Thailand is ready to work with China to suppress criminal activity in Thailand," he said.

On Tuesday, the Thai government said it would cut off electricity in some areas bordering Myanmar in a bid to control fraud center activity.

Xi said China appreciates Thailand's steps to combat online gambling and telecommunications fraud, and calls for strengthening law enforcement and cooperation in security and justice to protect people's lives and property.