Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met officials from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar in Beijing on Tuesday as the countries prepared to set priorities for regional economic ties and cross-border security.
The talks took place ahead of the 11th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Nov. 3-4. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Wang and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will co-chair the Nov. 4 session, with representatives from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam expected. Ministers will assess the framework’s work and identify priorities for its next phase. Thailand says its priorities include transnational crime, water management and cross-border haze.
In the discussion with Sihasak, Wang said China was ready to open its market further to Thailand and encourage Chinese investment, according to the Chinese ministry’s account. He also proposed cooperation in artificial intelligence, computing-power centers and semiconductors, and called for predictable conditions for Chinese companies and joint action against online gambling and telecommunications fraud. Sihasak said Thailand wanted closer cooperation on trade, investment, connectivity and the green transition.
For Laos, Wang pressed for railway development and closer coordination through the China-Laos Economic Corridor cooperation committee, the ministry said. Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane identified connectivity, energy, minerals, artificial intelligence and efforts against cross-border crime as areas for cooperation.
The Chinese account said Wang backed political reconciliation in Myanmar and the government’s efforts to stabilize conditions, develop the economy and improve livelihoods. He called for progress on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and energy ties, protection for Chinese personnel, institutions and projects, and stronger joint action against online gambling and telecommunications scams. Wang also urged steps to prevent disorder in Myawaddy from recurring. Myanmar Union Minister U Aung Kyaw Hoe said Myanmar would step up anti-scam efforts and welcomed more Chinese investment.
Thailand’s ministry says the framework seeks to advance connectivity and sustainable development, narrow development gaps and benefit people in the Mekong subregion and China. It began with a Thai proposal and was formally established by China in 2016; 2026 marks its 10th anniversary. The fifth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting is planned for later this year in Guilin, China.
