Thai defence minister to visit China

BANGKOK, April 24 (TNA) - Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat is scheduled to lead Thai military top brass to pay an official visit to China from April 25-28, as Thailand's first full-military delegation in China in 15 years showing sincerity and friendship between the Thai and Chinese armed forces. Those who will accompany the Thai defence minister during his four-day trip to China include the defence permanent secretary, the supreme commander, armed forces chiefs, staff officers and high-ranking officers of the Thai Defence Ministry. Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol will introduce himself as the new Thai defence minister and exchange views with Chinese military authorities on security cooperation. China is a country outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which has developed sound bilateral relations with Thailand for a long time. During his forthcoming official visit to China, the defence minister is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and to inspect Chinese weaponry. The Thai defence minister, who plans to boost comprehensive cooperation with China especially on intelligence and the exchange of military technology, will also be briefed on China's Z-9 helicopters and submarines and will meet his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie and the Chinese military top brass. (TNA)