China hopes to see peace and unity restored
in Thailand as soon as possible, so the country can go back to being a leader
in the region. It has also said it will not intervene in Thailand's domestic
affairs.
Sihasak
Puangketkeow, permanent secretary of the foreign ministry, said Beijing also
wanted conflicting parties to get together and solve problems so the country
can move forward.
He was
speaking after attending meetings yesterday with high-ranking Chinese
officials, including deputy foreign minister Liu Zhenmin, as part of the second
China-Thailand Strategic Dialogue. He also paid courtesy calls to foreign
minister Wang Yi and State Councillor Yang Jiechi.
This is
the first time that Thailand has held official meetings with the Chinese
government since the military junta seized power in May.
In a
press briefing after the dialogue, Liu reiterated that China wished to maintain
and strengthen bilateral ties, adding that Beijing regarded Thailand as a good
friend and a strong partner.
Sihasak's
visit to China was part of the junta's effort to explain Thailand's political
situation to other countries.
He said
he had told Chinese officials about the junta's efforts to undertake reforms
via a three-phase roadmap, as well as restore political stability and create an
environment conducive to long-term economic development.
"I
had the opportunity to explain what Thailand is doing to restore stability,
peace and democracy under (the junta's) roadmap," he said.
Sihasak
went on to say that China said it would not intervene in Thailand's internal
problems. He also quoted Liu as saying that Beijing understood the situation as
well as the junta's efforts.
Sihasak
has visited many countries to explain what has been happening in Thailand after
the coup.
"China
wants Thailand and its people see a return to security and unity as it
continues playing an active role in the region and the world," Liu said
through a translator.
He
added that both countries and their people have enjoyed excellent relations,
pointing out that members of the Thai royal family had visited the mainland
several times, and that senior officials from both countries had also exchanged
visits.
Beijing
said it hopes the "Thai leader" would be able to attend the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit that will be held in the
mainland in November, Sihasak said.
Meanwhile,
Sihasak dismissed criticism that Thailand was leaning on China now that many
countries in the West had decided to impose sanctions in response to the power
seizure.
"It
is the decision of the Western countries (to downgrade mutual relations), but a
'friend in need is a friend indeed'," he pointed out. "Thailand's
relations with other countries can only move forward, and never halt. So if one
country is ready (to cooperate with Thailand), we are also ready to do
so."
Sihasak
added that China wanted to invite Privy Council President General Prem
Tinsulanond over to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations next year.
Marisa
Chimprabha
Business & Investment Opportunities
Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd (SBC) is incorporated
in Singapore since 1994.
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