Sister-city relationships contribute to traditional friendship between China, Thailand
By Qiang Wei, People’s Daily
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the sister-city relationship between Beijing and Bangkok. Over the past three decades, the two capitals have constantly deepened their exchanges in various fields and achieved fruitful results in pragmatic cooperation.
The sister-city relationship was officially established on May 26, 1993, the first one between China and Thailand. In recent years, the two cities have had close interactions and achieved fruitful cooperation on legislation, urban construction and culture.
In 2001, the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress and the Bangkok Metropolitan Council signed a memorandum to become sister councils and established a mechanism of regular communication and mutual visits so as to strengthen exchanges in legislation and create a sound legal environment for cooperation between the two sides in various other fields.
In 2019, the third tallest building in Thailand, which is a landmark of Bangkok by the Chao Phraya River, was delivered. Co-invested and constructed by Beijing Construction Engineering Group, the building is a highlight of Beijing’s efforts to support the Belt and Road Initiative.
In 2013, a delegation of young table tennis players from Bangkok visited Beijing and had exchange events with students from the Beijing No. 66 Middle School.
In 2017, the two cities co-hosted the “Flower of Friendship: Photo Exhibition of Beijing ASEAN Cultural Tour” in Bangkok.
This year marks the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand. The two countries enjoy a long history of friendship and are as close as family.
The sister-city exchanges and cooperation between Beijing and Bangkok have developed alongside the deepening friendly exchanges between China and Thailand.
This April, Korn Dabbaransi, former Thai Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Association, visited China. He said he hopes that the sister-city relationship can be constantly strengthened, and that he will continue contributing to this traditional friendship.
Cultural exchanges have always been an important bond linking Beijing and Bangkok.
On Jan. 30 this year, a Beijing opera performance, which was also a China-Thailand opera dialogue event, was staged at the China Culture Center in Bangkok to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Through live video links between Bangkok and Beijing, audiences in both cities had a “close contact” with master performers of Peking opera and Teochew Likay, Teochew opera performed in the Thai language.
Yuthika Isarangkura, Deputy Undersecretary of the Thai Ministry of Culture participated in the event. She said it was a rare aesthetic enlightenment to experience Peking opera and Teochew Likay together with the audiences.
On May 18 this year, the International Museum Day, Beijing and Bangkok jointly held a photo exhibition of ancient architectures along the Belt and Road. It helped audiences gain a deeper understanding of the cultural connotations of the Belt and Road.
Friendship between world people is a fundamental force for promoting world peace and development and a basic prerequisite for win-win cooperation. According to the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, a total of 41 pairs of sister cities, provinces and states have been established between China and Thailand after Beijing and Bangkok forged sister-city relationship.
Strengthening international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation is an important part of the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative. China is willing to continuously promote mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of all nations and jointly advance the progress of human civilization.
