Xi welcomes Thai king to China with pledge of progress for family-strength ties

China has rolled out the red carpet for the first Thai monarch to visit the country since ties were established 50 years ago. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed King Maha Vajiralongkorn in an official ceremony in Beijing on November 14, 2025. Xi told the visiting monarch that China stands ready to align development strategies with Thailand for “greater progress” in bilateral ties. The Chinese leader described the two nations as “true good relatives, friends and partners” during his meeting with the king at the Great Hall of the People, according to the official broadcaster CCTV.