Enhanced military relations between China and Thailand is up for discussion
China and Thailand have witnessed a significant deepening of their military cooperation in recent years, as evidenced by expanded bilateral combined exercises and increased strategic military ties. This growing partnership, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, is poised to continue evolving in the coming years.
One of the most notable developments has been the growth of the annual Falcon Strike air force drills. Originating as a modest 3-day event in 2015, the exercise has expanded to an extensive 11-day exercise in 2024, involving multiple types of Chinese Air Force aircraft and ground systems alongside Thai forces. This expansion reflects China's interest in practicing alongside a Western-trained military like Thailand's while avoiding sensitive US-built fighter use during these drills.
In addition to these expanded exercises, recent cabinet approvals in Thailand have included major military acquisitions from China, such as submarines and fighter jets. These acquisitions signal increased strategic alignment and modernization efforts, with both nations emphasizing cooperation across multiple sectors, including security.
High-level diplomatic and military engagements continue to reinforce these ties. In 2025, Thailand participated in the 98th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, underscoring the long-standing and expanding partnership. Both nations have emphasized cooperation across a broad spectrum, including infrastructure and economic projects like the China-Thailand railway.
Looking ahead, future prospects include continued joint military exercises, enhanced defense technology transfers, and coordinated strategic initiatives within regional mechanisms such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation. China's supportive role in regional stability, including mediating Thailand's border issues with Cambodia, further solidifies their military-diplomatic relationship.
However, Thailand remains cautious in balancing its relations amid major power tensions, notably between the US and China. Thailand seeks to leverage China's rise without fully abandoning traditional Western ties, a strategy that reflects the nation's efforts to safeguard its interests within the evolving geopolitical landscape.
This trajectory suggests a growing, multifaceted military partnership shaped by evolving geopolitical dynamics, with substantial opportunities for increased interoperability, technology sharing, and regional security collaboration in coming years. Thailand consistently upholds the one-China principle and is actively promoting cooperation with China in building the Belt and Road Initiative.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun recently met with Songwit Noonpackdee, chief of defense forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, in Beijing. Leaders from both countries have reached a new important consensus on deepening the construction of a community of shared future between the two nations. Both sides are willing to work together to make good use of existing cooperation mechanisms and closely coordinate in multilateral affairs to jointly maintain regional security and stability.
As the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, known as the "Golden Year of Thai-Chinese Friendship," it is clear that the relationship between China and Thailand continues to strengthen, with a solid foundation and fruitful results already achieved in military cooperation. Thailand places great importance on the relationship between the two militaries and is willing to continue strengthening cooperation with China.
In the realm of international business and politics, China's growing military partnership with Thailand, as demonstrated by expanded joint exercises and increased defense acquisitions, is a significant development in the economy and general-news landscape. This partnership, highlighted by annual events like the Falcon Strike air force drills, is indicative of China's desire for cooperation with Western-trained militaries while balancing regional power dynamics. Moreover, both nations are emphasizing cooperation across multiple sectors, including infrastructure and economic projects, underscoring the deepening diplomatic and military ties.
