BANGKOK—Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), led a delegation to Bangkok on Nov. 28, where he met with Phinij Jarusombat, former Thai deputy prime minister and chairman of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Promotion Committee, and his delegation. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on jointly promoting China-Thailand cultural and academic exchanges, as well as advancing the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future.

Gao noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Over the past five decades, bilateral ties have grown from “friendly exchanges” to “intertwined interests” and, further, to “heart-to-heart connections.” The two countries have not only achieved infrastructure connectivity and enhanced mutual support in livelihood areas, but have also deepened mutual appreciation of each other’s cultural symbols and the exchange of development philosophies—vividly illustrating the deep bond of “China and Thailand being one family.” Two weeks ago, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, King Maha Vajiralongkorn paid a state visit to China, becoming the first Thai king to visit China since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago. This visit has written a new chapter in China-Thailand friendship. Both sides should further advance the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future in alignment with the direction charted by the two heads of state.

Gao pledged that CASS will deepen think tank cooperation, making full use of the CASS–NRCT (National Research Council of Thailand) Center of China Studies to help translate academic achievements into practical and actionable plans. He emphasized the need to expand academic exchanges among young scholars, further enriching the contemporary meaning of “China and Thailand being one family.” He also highlighted the importance of actively promoting mutual learning between the two civilizations, drawing on fine traditional culture to nourish the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Gao expressed hope for closer cooperation with all sectors in Thailand to raise bilateral academic cooperation to a higher level and contribute to building a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future.

Jarusombat said that under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have advanced from independence and self-reliance to prosperity, successfully pioneering a Chinese path to modernization. China’s commitment to peaceful development has set an example for the world, and Thailand is eager to learn from China’s experience. He conveyed the Thai people’s sincere gratitude for President Xi Jinping’s warm reception of the Thai king during the recent state visit, noting that the visit added a vivid new chapter to the long-standing friendship between the two countries and elevated Thailand-China relations to a new historical height.

Standing at this new historical starting point, Jarusombat said Thailand is ready to continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Chinese research institutions, including CASS, and to work together in writing a new chapter of “Thailand and China being one family” in the new era. Such cooperation, he noted, will provide strong support for building a more prosperous Thailand-China community with a shared future.

Following the meeting, Gao presented Jarusombat with the first through fifth volumes of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China on behalf of CASS.