Deputy Chinese navy chief meets Thai Defence Minister

BANGKOK, Oct 6 (TNA) – RAdm Shen Hao, deputy commander of the Eastern Theater of China's People’s Liberation Army Navy, called on Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon to discuss improvement in military cooperation and bilateral relations. Defence spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanit said Gen Prawit received RAdm Shen at the Defence Ministry. Both discussed close and long-standing bilateral relations and ways to promote military cooperation through training, education, exchange of visits and the national defence industry. According to Lt Gen Kongcheep, RAdm Shen said Chinese President Xi Jinping wanted to use the Chinese navy to develop relations with armies of countries standing along China’s Belt and Road. Gen Prawit expressed his gratitude for the Chinese navy’s participation in the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN International Fleet Review 2017 that Thailand will organize in November. He also expressed his wish that Thai and Chinese armies would strengthen their relations for the sake of regional security, Lt Gen Kongcheep said. (TNA)