China and Thailand deepen tech cooperation

China and Thailand have pledged more cooperation in technology and innovation, including aligning policies in related sectors and expanding exchanges, according to a joint statement that emphasised a "prosperous shared future" between both nations.

The statement was released late on Monday after Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul concluded a five-day visit to China.

• The statement called for deeper cooperation in various fields such as health, geospatial information, agricultural technology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, advanced electronic devices, automobiles, aerospace and clean energy.

• "Technological progress and digital transformation create tremendous new opportunities for both countries," the statement said.

• Both sides also agreed to enhance industry and academic research cooperation with the aim of securing and fortifying their supply chains.

• Part of the "shared prosperity" goal included advancing the construction of the China-Thailand high-speed railway, which Thailand said it aimed to complete a 250-km (155-mile) section of by 2030.

• The countries, which have maintained high-level engagements since last year, also agreed to strengthen coordination and communication in foreign affairs and defence matters.

-Reporting by Liz Lee and Ryan Woo; Editing by Jamie Freed/Reuters