China Assures Thailand on Cambodia-Bound Tanks

China has assured Thailand that military equipment, particularly tanks, being supplied to Cambodia will not be used to harm Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Friday after bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai. Anutin stated that Chinese officials acknowledged Thailand's concerns, explaining that the tank procurement was agreed upon long before recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. China had delayed delivery during periods of conflict due to the sensitivity of the situation but was ultimately obliged to fulfill the contract. "China assured us that, under the terms agreed between the two sides, the military equipment delivered to Cambodia will not be used to cause any harm to Thailand," Anutin said. Xi also reaffirmed China's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Thailand in areas including security, economic development, technology transfer, and personnel training. He offered to facilitate dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to help restore good relations and encourage both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution. Anutin reiterated Thailand's position of not seeking conflict while upholding its responsibility to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its people. China also offered to host the upcoming Lancang-Mekong Cooperation leaders' meeting instead of Thailand, to avoid placing member states, particularly Cambodia, in an awkward position amid bilateral tensions. During the meeting, Anutin conveyed an invitation from King Maha Vajiralongkorn for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to pay an official state visit to Thailand. Xi accepted the invitation in principle, indicating he would visit when schedules permit.