On 27 June 2025, Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) met with Mr. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Director General of ASEAN Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in Bangkok.
SG Shi thanked the Ministry for its firm support to the ACC including seconding officials and co-hosting numerous activities. Amid the current global challenges such as the U.S. unilateral tariffs, SG Shi emphasized the need for China and ASEAN, including Thailand, to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit. SG Shi reaffirmed the ACC's commitment to serve as a bridge and catalyst to expand cooperation in new areas such as agriculture, clean energy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and expects the continued support from the Ministry in designing and delivering more projects tailored for Thailand, adding impetus to the Golden 50 Years of Friendship between China and Thailand, and ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
DG Bolbongse commended the ACC’s endeavors and stressed the importance the Ministry attaches to the Centre. He highlighted the importance and potential for collaboration in smart agriculture and green economy, expressed expectations for the ACC to play a more robust role in addressing issues like transboundary haze and SME development. The Thai side reaffirmed its commitment to support the ACC in facilitating closer Thailand-China and ASEAN and China ties, and contributing to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.