China favours building armaments factory in Thailand

China favours building armaments factory in Thailand

Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon (standing) at a banquet with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan in Beijing. (Defence Ministry photo)
Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon (standing) at a banquet with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan in Beijing. (Defence Ministry photo)

Beijing has welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon's proposal that China set up a factory to manufacture and repair armaments in Thailand.

Defence spokesman Khongcheep Tantrawanich said on Tuesday that Gen Prawit raised the proposal during a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan during his two-day visit, which ended today. 

Gen Prawit proposed that the factory manufacture and repair armaments that China supplies to Thailand and other countries in the region. The facility would also be a source of weapons parts and technology transfers for Thailand, Maj Gen Khongcheep said.  

Gen Chang expressed his support for the proposal and it was agreed to form a working group to put it into effect, the defence spokesman said.

The Chinese defence minister also proposed increased military cooperation - including joint military exercises, national defence preparation and exchange visits, Maj Gen Khongcheep said.

Gen Prawit also met Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and confirmed Thailand's intention to jointly develop the Nong Khai-Bangkok railway as part of China's One Belt, One Road network, and an internet superhighway that China could use for business with Southeast Asia, Maj Gen Khongcheep said.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (12)