China, Thailand sign 8 cooperation agreements on trade, security, technology

China and Thailand signed eight cooperation agreements covering trade, security, agriculture, and technology following talks between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok, officials said Saturday.

The agreements were signed Friday during Li's three-day official visit, the first by a Chinese premier in seven years, according to Thailand's Government Public Relations Department.

The documents cover automotive manufacturing, vocational education, agricultural exports, food safety, security cooperation, measurement standards, and consular services.

New protocols will facilitate exports of Thai tropical fruits durian and salak to China, while automotive cooperation will focus on electric vehicles, battery production, and technology transfer, Thai daily The Nation reported.

Anutin also sought progress on China's proposed purchase of half a million tons of Thai rice, with an initial 40,000 tons already sold.

The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy and railway connectivity linking China, Laos, and Thailand.

They also agreed to strengthen efforts against cross-border cybercrime and online scams, including intelligence sharing and cooperation on illicit financial flows.

China offered technical assistance and monitoring equipment to address transboundary water pollution, according to The Nation.

Li pledged to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and advance the China-Thailand railway project, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported Saturday.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.