Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will make his first official visit to China from July 16-20, following an invitation from the Chinese government. The visit will include high-level meetings with Chinese leaders and participation in a major international conference on artificial intelligence, underlining the importance both countries place on strengthening bilateral relations. Get today's headlines by email During the visit, Anutin will attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. The event will take place from July 17-20 under the theme “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future”, bringing together international leaders and experts to discuss the future of AI and global governance. Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet Anutin during the visit. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will also hold talks with the Thai Prime Minister, while Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, is expected to meet him separately. The trip marks Anutin’s first official visit to China since taking office as Prime Minister. According to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, the visit reflects the high importance both countries attach to the continued development of China-Thailand relations. China described Thailand as a good neighbour, good friend, good relative and good partner. The embassy noted that last year marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, during which His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn paid a state visit to China. The Chinese side said President Xi and His Majesty reached an important consensus on promoting the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future, describing it as the beginning of the next “50 golden years” of bilateral relations. It added that mutual political trust has continued to grow under the strategic guidance of both countries’ leaders. China also highlighted continued cooperation in trade and investment, the digital economy, aerospace, science, education, culture and public health despite what it described as a volatile and complex global environment. The embassy said these areas have produced fruitful achievements over recent years. Chinese officials expressed hope that Anutin’s visit would strengthen the longstanding friendship reflected in the phrase, “China and Thailand are not far apart; we are brothers”. They said the visit would deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, support the modernisation of both countries, and contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. Join the discussion? 15 July 2026
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