Thai and Cambodian leaders head to China as Beijing may renew mediation bid

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s official visit to China is in the spotlight as his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, has also been invited, prompting speculation that Beijing may again seek a role in easing tensions between the neighbouring countries.

During his visit to China, from tomorrow until Monday, Anutin will travel to Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing to discuss economic, technological, investment and security cooperation with Chinese leaders.

On July 17, he is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai and hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Hun Manet will also attend the ceremony, the theme of which is “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future.”

Beijing has previously sought to encourage dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia and has expressed support for resolving their border dispute through peaceful negotiations.

In December last year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a trilateral meeting with his Thai and Cambodian counterparts in Yunnan Province. Beijing pledged to help mediate tensions between the two countries, while stressing that it would not interfere in their bilateral dispute.

Meanwhile, Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Monday that Anutin's visit coincides with the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

During his visit to Chengdu, Anutin will preside over the opening of the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026 and inaugurate the Investment Office at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chengdu.

He is also expected to meet executives of major Chinese companies and Thai business representatives operating in China.

In Beijing, Anutin will hold full bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and meet Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

The two sides are also expected to witness the signing of several agreements between Thai and Chinese agencies, covering trade, investment, agriculture, public health, science, technology, education and media cooperation.