Thailand boosts military ties with China amid US spat

[webfact]

Thailand boosts military ties with China amid US spat
Amy Sawitta Lefevre
Reuters

BANGKOK: -- China and Thailand agreed on Friday to boost military ties over the next five years, from increasing intelligence sharing to fighting transnational crime, as the ruling junta seeks to counterbalance the country's alliance with Washington.

The agreement came during a two-day visit by China’s Defence Minister Chang Wanquan to Bangkok, and as Thailand’s military government looks to cultivate Beijing’s support amid Western unease over a delayed return to democracy.

"China has agreed to help Thailand increase protection of its own country and advise on technology to increase Thailand’s national security," Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters.

"China will not intervene in Thailand’s politics but will give political support and help maintain relationships at all levels. This is China’s policy."

Under the junta, Thailand has stepped up engagement with China at a time when Beijing increases its influence in Southeast Asia with a raft of loans and aid for infrastructure.

At the same time, Washington has sought to show its renewed commitment to a strategic "pivot" toward Asia by boosting military ties and equipment sales across the region.

Prawit said Thailand and China agreed to increase joint military exercises, but did not give further details.

"We agreed to increase joint military exercises between Thailand’s air force and China’s air force and to increase overall military cooperation over the next three to five years," he said.

Thailand’s army took control last May saying it needed to restore order after months of political unrest including street protests in Bangkok that killed nearly 30 people. The United States, a long-time ally of Thailand, expressed dismay at the coup and froze $4.7 million of security-related assistance and cancelled some security cooperation.

US-Thai relations deteriorated further last month when Bangkok accused Washington of meddling in its political affairs over the remarks by a visiting US envoy who criticised the junta.

The junta has said it will hold onto power for at least another year, with a general election planned for early 2016.

Despite the tensions, the US will hold its annual Cobra Gold combined military exercise with Thailand next week. The drill, however, has been scaled down in scope to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The drill, the Asia-Pacific’s largest annual multinational military exercise, also involves China.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Thailand-boosts-military-ties-with-China-amid-US-s-30253542.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-06

[paddyjenkins]

What came first was the US pivot towards Asia in response to perceived Chinese military expansion and muscle flexing...later came the protests in Thailand supposedly because of domestic issues....funded by whom i wonder....and opened the door to justification for a coup....then came the immediate pivot of Thailand towards china and away from the US...if i wasn't so naive id think it must have all been orchestrated....

Edited February 6, 2015 by paddyjenkins

[webfact]

Chinese defence chief meets Thai junta leader

AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's junta chief met China's defence minister Friday for talks aimed at deepening their military ties, as strains begin to show between the kingdom and its traditional ally the United States following last year's coup.

China has openly courted Thailand's generals since May's coup, which took place days after democratically elected prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted by a court ruling following months of street protests.

In contrast, Washington has been critical of the generals' power grab, calling for the return of civilian rule.

Thai prime minister and former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha met Chang Wanquan for talks in which he called for greater cooperation with the Chinese military.

"Thailand wants China to support Thailand for research and development in the defence industry and to transfer knowledge to this industry as well," government spokesman Yongtuth Mayalarp told reporters after the meeting.

Yongtuth said Prayut also thanked the Chinese defence minister for "understanding the political situation in Thailand".

Only last month, Prayut said he was "upset" after a senior US diplomat made guarded criticisms of the regime during a visit to the kingdom, and accused Washington of failing to understand Thailand's political situation.

Thailand remains one of the US's staunchest regional allies and Cobra Gold -- a major annual military exercise led by the two, involving several other nations -- is due to kick off on Monday.

But the tone of the relationship between Washington and Bangkok, who trace their military ties back to the early days of the Cold War, has lost some of its warmth since the coup.

China has been keen to exploit those tensions.

In December, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met Prayut to sign a multi-billion-dollar railway construction agreement in a visit widely interpreted as an endorsement by Beijing of Thailand's new military rulers.

China is also due to take part in Cobra Gold -- only the second time it has played a boots-on-the-ground role in the exercise -- something the Thai government has been keen to promote in recent weeks.

"Thailand reaffirmed its policy to closely cooperate (with China) especially on security issues, such as military exercises," Yongtuth said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-02-06

[binjalin]

Like attracts like

[bkkgooner]

Sad to see Thailand moving in this direction, just take a look at China's allies - countries that others won't touch with a barge pole

[jaltsc]

"Prawit said Thailand and China agreed to increase joint military exercises, but did not give further details."

Sounds like the Junta is chomping at the bit to invade The Duchy of Grand Fenwick.

Edited February 6, 2015 by jaltsc

[webfact]

China, Thailand meet on joint military exercise
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 6 -- Visiting Chinese Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan early today discussed a possible widening of a joint military exercise, aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation between China and Thailand, with Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, according to a Ministry spokesman.

The two countries have conducted several joint military exercises in the past.

The spokesman said the ministers discussed military cooperation at every level while Gen Prawit also asked Gen Chang for China’s support for the Thai government’s attempts to set up a special economic development along the Thai border as well as urging more Chinese tourists to visit the kingdom.

Gen Prawit urged China to buy more Thai agricultural products such as rice and rubber. Gen Chang said that Beijing would consider the request, said the spokesman.

The Thai government asked for more cooperation from China to exchange intelligence, anti-terrorism, drug and human trafficking, and trans-national crime, the spokesman said.

Gen Chang reportedly told Gen Prawit that China understood the political situation in Thailand well as it had constantly followed the situation and also admired the Thai military in successfully taking control, which helped in bringing peace as wished by the Thais.

Gen Chang, according to the spokesman, told his Thai counterpart that China respected Thai sovereignty and would not interfere in its domestic affairs. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2015-02-06

[pedro01]

Sad to see Thailand moving in this direction, just take a look at China's allies - countries that others won't touch with a barge pole

Well, I wouldn't touch Saudi Arabia with a bargepole.

And let's face it - how many wars did China start in the past 50 years?

[aTomsLife]

Sad to see Thailand moving in this direction, just take a look at China's allies - countries that others won't touch with a barge pole

Well, I wouldn't touch Saudi Arabia with a bargepole.

And let's face it - how many wars did China start in the past 50 years?

False parallel: if not for the U.S., China would be beating the war drums over the South China Sea.

Touche on the Saudi Arabia comment, though.

[bkkfaranguy]

China desperately needs an ally in Asia as they are being tossed out or shunned by all of Thailand's neighbors, Vietnam tossed them out last year they are at odds with Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia as they try and claim the whole south China sea for themselves. ( Yesterday China was ramming Philippine fishing boats in Philippine waters) So the new Asian alliance will be China, North Korea and Thailand against everyone else, not a smart move on Thailand's part, but then again look who is in charge currently.

Edited February 6, 2015 by bkkfaranguy

[waitforusalso]

As the educated Hong Kong citizens are doing all they can to distance themselves from the authoritarian oppression of Beijing, the Thai junta & elite are doing everything they can to emulate them.

[jollyman]

Thailand is making a BIG mistake courting China, we Mongolian people no a thing or two about China

an old mongolian saying "Of the good,we have an understanding, for fools we keep a stick upstairs.

[Robby nz]

At the same time, Washington has sought to show its renewed commitment to a strategic "pivot" toward Asia by boosting military ties and equipment sales across the region.

Equipment sales across the region, keeping the arms suppliers happy a priority.

And Japan is doing deals with Thailand as well.

With the situation in Europe and the middle east is it surprising that Thailand would be looking to the neighbors for trade and alliances ?

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

What came first was the US pivot towards Asia in response to perceived Chinese military expansion and muscle flexing...later came the protests in Thailand supposedly because of domestic issues....funded by whom i wonder....and opened the door to justification for a coup....then came the immediate pivot of Thailand towards china and away from the US...if i wasn't so naive id think it must have all been orchestrated....

And to think that Prayut -O-Cha was a great friend of Yinglucks and it was Yingluck who appointed him to Chief of staff and a brother moved from Dubai to China ,could write a book on this theory

[chainarong]

Better check your weapons err those that go bang chaps , you have a compatibility problem.

[marcusd]

I just cannot resist people... "China and Thailand agreed on Friday to boost military ties over the next five years, from increasing intelligence sharing to fighting transnational crime, as the ruling junta seeks to counterbalance the country's alliance with Washington."

They actually mean starting to TRY to learn. Intelligence is something that is very lacking here

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

China desperately needs an ally in Asia as they are being tossed out or shunned by all of Thailand's neighbors, Vietnam tossed them out last year they are at odds with Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia as they try and claim the whole south China sea for themselves. ( Yesterday China was ramming Philippine fishing boats in Philippine waters) So the new Asian alliance will be China, North Korea and Thailand against everyone else, not a smart move on Thailand's part, but then again look who is in charge currently.

They were thrown out of Burma also , Burma replaced them with the US and japan although last year nothing happened much.

[Lingba]

A Thought that I had is that China currently appears to be the only country that is holding up tourism here now...If Thailand loses Chinese tourism, the boat sinks...a correlation???

[pedro01]

China desperately needs an ally in Asia as they are being tossed out or shunned by all of Thailand's neighbors, Vietnam tossed them out last year they are at odds with Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia as they try and claim the whole south China sea for themselves. ( Yesterday China was ramming Philippine fishing boats in Philippine waters) So the new Asian alliance will be China, North Korea and Thailand against everyone else, not a smart move on Thailand's part, but then again look who is in charge currently.

Nobody is 'against' anybody.

[chooka]

Sad to see Thailand moving in this direction, just take a look at China's allies - countries that others won't touch with a barge pole

The new Thailand. They have every right climb into bed with whoever they like. Threesomes like Thailand, Nth Korea and China doesn't seem quite right but it is up to the current Junta. They believe that this is the way to move Thailand forward and if it means dumping the U.S and her allies so be it. I don't think the rest of the world will lose to much sleep over a little country like Thailand becoming China's little play thing.

I am sure people like Costa ' s is out celebrating and waving the Thai flag at this wonderful news.

[paddyjenkins]

China desperately needs an ally in Asia as they are being tossed out or shunned by all of Thailand's neighbors, Vietnam tossed them out last year they are at odds with Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia as they try and claim the whole south China sea for themselves. ( Yesterday China was ramming Philippine fishing boats in Philippine waters) So the new Asian alliance will be China, North Korea and Thailand against everyone else, not a smart move on Thailand's part, but then again look who is in charge currently.

Nobody is 'against' anybody.

Bless your naivety, must be nice

[lildragon]

American foreign policy is mired in scandal, but Christ almighty cosying up to China? With their oppressive regime?

Foreigners here actually support this Junta? Will you guys remain in Thailand if it becomes a complete police state like China?

[lungbing]

Thailand is making a BIG mistake courting China, we Mongolian people no a thing or two about China

an old mongolian saying "Of the good,we have an understanding, for fools we keep a stick upstairs.

Upstairs in a yurt?

[Thailand]

Trying to find friends and they will simply find new masters.

The only interest China has in Thailand is to piss off the U.S. and the junta is falling over themselves. Must ba a uniform thing!

[issanaus]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

China desperately needs an ally in Asia as they are being tossed out or shunned by all of Thailand's neighbors, Vietnam tossed them out last year they are at odds with Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia as they try and claim the whole south China sea for themselves. ( Yesterday China was ramming Philippine fishing boats in Philippine waters) So the new Asian alliance will be China, North Korea and Thailand against everyone else, not a smart move on Thailand's part, but then again look who is in charge currently.

They were thrown out of Burma also , Burma replaced them with the US and japan although last year nothing happened much.

Burma played USSR against China for years. USSR imploded - USA courted Burma and offered more than China. Given the events that are supposed to happen in Burma this year, the events that are likely to happen and what is occurring at this time USA is unsure ... so nothing much will change until the direction of the country becomes clearer. Do not discount the possibility that the USA is providing private support to Thailand for the moves given tensions in the ME and Eastern Europe. Both the USA and China have issues with Russia and both have what they perceive as a "Muslim problem". Friendships and alliances in international politic are temporary at best.

[Costas2008]

Sad to see Thailand moving in this direction, just take a look at China's allies - countries that others won't touch with a barge pole

The new Thailand. They have every right climb into bed with whoever they like. Threesomes like Thailand, Nth Korea and China doesn't seem quite right but it is up to the current Junta. They believe that this is the way to move Thailand forward and if it means dumping the U.S and her allies so be it. I don't think the rest of the world will lose to much sleep over a little country like Thailand becoming China's little play thing.

I am sure people like Costa ' s is out celebrating and waving the Thai flag at this wonderful news.

Hey Chooka, in fact I was out waving the Greek, Chinese and Russian flag.

These are the 2 countries that have offered to help Greece in their difficult times.

Another little insignificant country looking towards China...........

If the EU and the Americans carry on the same policies there will be more little insignificant countries looking towards China.

But the little rain drops become a river and at the end an ocean.......................

But Americans and their followers the EU, don't care.....they are the almighty force in this world, nobody can or has the right to go against them.

We will see...........give it time.

Edited February 6, 2015 by Costas2008

[Reigntax]

I suppose the director is happy to have any friend he can get. At least the railway will be able to bring all the copied items straight to the market place. Unfortunately by then, there will be no customers.

Welcome to Chailand.

[Reigntax]

Sad to see Thailand moving in this direction, just take a look at China's allies - countries that others won't touch with a barge pole

The new Thailand. They have every right climb into bed with whoever they like. Threesomes like Thailand, Nth Korea and China doesn't seem quite right but it is up to the current Junta. They believe that this is the way to move Thailand forward and if it means dumping the U.S and her allies so be it. I don't think the rest of the world will lose to much sleep over a little country like Thailand becoming China's little play thing.

I am sure people like Costa ' s is out celebrating and waving the Thai flag at this wonderful news.

Hey Chooka, in fact I was out waving the Greek, Chinese and Russian flag.

These are the 2 countries that have offered to help Greece in their difficult times.

Another little insignificant country looking towards China...........

If the EU and the Americans carry on the same policies there will be more little insignificant countries looking towards China.

But the little rain drops become a river and at the end an ocean.......................

But Americans and their followers the EU, don't care.....they are the almighty force in this world, nobody can or has the right to go against them.

We will see...........give it time.

Hey Costas, at least by the time China has finished with Thailand they will be experienced with what to expect from any relationship with Greece. Both intend to come in through the back door. Edited February 6, 2015 by Reigntax

[ChrisY1]

It's actions such as this that make election talk pure rhetoric..........the junta wants to side with China......maybe to spite the US.....who knows....these people are silly enough!

Will an elected government, if it happens, continue this one sided alliance?............

When the Chinese start to dig in their claws....it'll be too late for Thailand...

[lildragon]

Sad to see Thailand moving in this direction, just take a look at China's allies - countries that others won't touch with a barge pole

The new Thailand. They have every right climb into bed with whoever they like. Threesomes like Thailand, Nth Korea and China doesn't seem quite right but it is up to the current Junta. They believe that this is the way to move Thailand forward and if it means dumping the U.S and her allies so be it. I don't think the rest of the world will lose to much sleep over a little country like Thailand becoming China's little play thing.

I am sure people like Costa ' s is out celebrating and waving the Thai flag at this wonderful news.

Hey Chooka, in fact I was out waving the Greek, Chinese and Russian flag.

These are the 2 countries that have offered to help Greece in their difficult times.

Another little insignificant country looking towards China...........

If the EU and the Americans carry on the same policies there will be more little insignificant countries looking towards China.

But the little rain drops become a river and at the end an ocean.......................

But Americans and their followers the EU, don't care.....they are the almighty force in this world, nobody can or has the right to go against them.

We will see...........give it time.

If Thailand went the way of China, a one party state with heavy censorship laws, oppression and an even bigger gap between rich and poor, would you still be willing to live here?