China’s Premier Li Qiang to Visit Thailand Before Attending China-ASEAN Summit in Manila

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Thailand from Nov. 13 to 15 before travelling to the Philippines to attend the 29th China-ASEAN Summit, in a diplomatic schedule that highlights Beijing's efforts to strengthen regional economic cooperation and maintain engagement with Southeast Asian governments.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Li would make an official visit to Thailand at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. He will then travel to Manila from Nov. 15 to 16 to participate in the China-ASEAN Summit, at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., whose country holds the rotating ASEAN chairmanship.

The announcement was published by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and subsequently reported by Xinhua.

The Thailand visit comes as both countries seek to deepen economic and political cooperation. China is one of Thailand's largest trading partners and a major source of foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing, electric vehicles, electronics, infrastructure and tourism-related businesses.

Bangkok has sought to attract more investment in advanced manufacturing and electric-vehicle supply chains as it works to strengthen its position as a regional production hub. Chinese companies have expanded their presence in Thailand's automotive sector, including investments in electric-vehicle assembly and related components.

The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for senior officials to review bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and international issues. Thailand's Foreign Ministry said the trip would include a bilateral meeting between Li and Anutin, official activities at Government House, the signing of key documents and engagements with business representatives from both countries.

According to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit will be Li's first official trip to Thailand since assuming the premiership. The Thai government has described it as an opportunity to advance the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, building on Anutin's visit to China in July.

Li's subsequent attendance at the China-ASEAN Summit will place the regional relationship at the centre of discussions. China and ASEAN have developed extensive economic ties through trade, investment, infrastructure and regional supply chains. ASEAN has remained China's largest trading partner in recent years, reflecting the importance of Southeast Asia to Chinese manufacturers and exporters.

The summit is also expected to address the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. The updated framework is intended to modernize trade cooperation and expand collaboration in areas such as the digital economy, green development, supply-chain connectivity and emerging technologies.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing hoped to work with ASEAN countries to strengthen solidarity and mutual trust, build consensus on cooperation and bring the upgraded free-trade agreement into force as early as possible. He also identified artificial intelligence, digital trade, energy security, connectivity and poverty reduction as areas for deeper cooperation.

The official briefing is available through the Chinese Mission to ASEAN.

The diplomatic schedule carries added significance because the Philippines is hosting the summit at a time when maritime and security issues remain sensitive in the South China Sea. China and the Philippines have overlapping claims in parts of the waterway, and disagreements have periodically strained bilateral relations.

Nevertheless, the summit provides a platform for leaders to discuss regional economic integration and broader cooperation. ASEAN members have generally sought to maintain constructive economic relations with China while balancing their own security and diplomatic interests.

For Beijing, the visit to Thailand and participation in the Manila summit offer an opportunity to reinforce its regional engagement through high-level diplomacy. For Southeast Asian governments, the meetings will be important in assessing the prospects for trade, investment and regional stability amid wider geopolitical uncertainty.