The Development of Sino-Thai Relations: Status, Impetus, and New Strategic Opportunities

Abstract

Since established diplomatic relations 39 years ago, Sino-Thai relations have achieved remarkable results. From the view of development process, the development of Sino-Thai relations has an obvious “Crisis-driven” feature. From the crisis of Vietnam invading Cambodian in the 1970s to the East Asian f inancial crisis in 1997, regional crisis brought about the strong impetus to the leap-forward development of the Sino-Thai relations. In 2012, China and Thailand issued a joint statement, announced the establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, so as to provide a broader platform for the development of bilateral relations. From the view of development trend, the Maritime Silk Road of 21st Century will likely become a new strategic opportunity to promote the Sino-Thai relations to a new level.