Thailand-China relationship has improved in all dimensions: Chinese FM

BANGKOK, July 25 (TNA) -- Thailand-China relationship has improved in all dimensions as Sino-Thai rail project will elevate Thailand’s status in the region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Bangkok on Monday. The joint press conference was held with Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai during Wang's Thailand visit ahead of a regional meeting of Southeast Asian countries in Manila next month. "China and Thailand are like brothers," Wang said, while making reference to the $5.5 billion railway project between the two countries. After months of negotiations, Thailand’s cabinet last week approved the first phase of the project that will create rail link between Bangkok and southern China, via Laos. The project is an important part of China's One Belt One Road policy. Don said his discussion with Wan focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries under the third action plan on Thai-Chinese strategic cooperation. Wang also said Beijing would make a formal invitation for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s visit to China. Earlier on Monday, Wang also met with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha at Government House. The Chinese Foreign Minister also made comment on the tension in the South China Sea. He said China wanted to “maintain stability in the South China Sea, abiding by the terms that have been agreed on the Declaration of Conduct and Code of Conduct in near future." China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries agreed on the Code of Conduct in May. (TNA)