Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will pay an official visit to China from July 16 to 20 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, China's Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the visit will include high-level meetings with China's top leadership as well as participation in the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai.

During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Anutin, while Premier Li Qiang will hold formal talks with the Thai leader. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, is also expected to meet with Anutin.

According to Lin, the visit marks Anutin's first official trip to China since assuming office, reflecting the importance both governments place on strengthening bilateral ties.

China described Thailand as a close neighbor and long-standing partner, emphasizing the two countries' enduring friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Lin noted that bilateral relations have continued to deepen following King Maha Vajiralongkorn's state visit to China last year, when Beijing and Bangkok commemorated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

He said the two countries have expanded political mutual trust while achieving substantial progress in cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including trade, investment, the digital economy, aerospace, science and technology, education, culture, and public health.

A key highlight of the visit will be Prime Minister Anutin's participation in the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, where global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts are expected to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, international cooperation, and governance frameworks.

China views the conference as an opportunity to deepen collaboration with Thailand in emerging technologies and digital innovation.

Beijing expressed hope that the visit will further strengthen the traditional friendship and "family-like" relationship between China and Thailand while advancing the construction of a China–Thailand community with a shared future.

Lin said China expects the visit to generate new momentum for comprehensive strategic cooperation, support the modernization efforts of both countries, and contribute to peace, stability, development, and prosperity across the region.

The visit comes as China continues to strengthen partnerships with Southeast Asian nations amid an evolving international landscape, with economic cooperation, technological development, and regional integration remaining key priorities for both Beijing and Bangkok. (ILKHA)