In a significant display of military cooperation, the navies of China and Thailand are set to conduct joint training exercises near Zhanjiang in China’s Guangdong province from late March to early April 2025. Announced by the Chinese Defense Ministry on March 24, this marks the sixth iteration of such drills between the two nations, underscoring a deepening strategic partnership amid complex regional dynamics in the South China Sea.
A Focus on Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism
The upcoming exercises, conducted under a mutual agreement, will prioritize urban counter-terrorism tactics, joint maritime strikes, and anti-submarine operations, according to a statement from the Chinese Defense Ministry. These focus areas reflect shared concerns over non-traditional security threats, such as piracy and terrorism, which continue to challenge maritime stability in Southeast Asia. The training aims to enhance the operational capabilities of both navies, fostering greater interoperability in joint missions.
While the ministry’s release did not specify the scale of the exercises or the exact units involved, past iterations of these drills have included frigates, destroyers, and personnel from both countries engaging in simulated combat scenarios. This year’s exercises are expected to build on previous efforts, further refining coordination in high-stakes environments. A spokesperson for the ministry emphasized that the training is designed to “deepen practical cooperation” between Beijing and Bangkok, signaling a commitment to long-term collaboration. 
Strategic Implications in a Tense Region
The timing and location of these exercises are noteworthy. Zhanjiang, situated near the South China Sea, is a strategic hub for China’s naval operations. The region remains a hotspot of geopolitical tension, with overlapping territorial claims involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other ASEAN nations. While the joint training is not explicitly tied to these disputes, it reinforces China’s efforts to strengthen military ties with Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, which has historically balanced relations between major powers such as China and the United States.
Thailand’s participation in these exercises highlights its pragmatic approach to regional security. Unlike some of its ASEAN counterparts, Thailand has avoided taking a firm stance on South China Sea disputes, preferring instead to maintain cordial ties with all parties. This latest round of naval cooperation with China may be seen as an extension of that policy, allowing Bangkok to bolster its defense capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation over contentious issues. However, some analysts suggest that such engagements could subtly shift perceptions of Thailand’s neutrality, particularly if they expand in scope or frequency.
“Thailand is walking a tightrope” said Dr. Somchai Prakit, a security analyst based in Bangkok. “These exercises enhance its military readiness, but they also risk signaling a tilt toward Beijing at a time when regional alliances are under scrutiny.” Dr. Prakit noted that while the drills are framed as routine, their cumulative effect could influence how other nations, including the United States, view Thailand’s strategic priorities.
A History of Naval Cooperation
This is not the first time China and Thailand have collaborated on naval exercises. Since the inception of this series over a decade ago, the two countries have held joint drills on five previous occasions, with each event building on the last in terms of complexity and scale. The exercises, often held under the banner of fostering “mutual trust,” have included activities ranging from search-and-rescue operations to live-fire drills. They also serve as a platform for cultural and professional exchanges between the two militaries, with personnel participating in joint planning sessions and social events.
Beyond bilateral exercises, Thailand has also engaged with China through multilateral frameworks, such as the ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise. These interactions have provided additional avenues for dialogue on maritime security, even as broader tensions persist in the region. For China, partnerships like the one with Thailand are a key component of its broader strategy to expand influence in Southeast Asia, often through military diplomacy and economic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.
Regional Reactions and Broader Context
The announcement of the joint exercises has drawn mixed reactions from across the region. In Vietnam, where historical tensions with China over South China Sea claims remain unresolved, officials have yet to comment publicly on the drills. However, state media outlets have noted the development with a tone of cautious observation, emphasizing the need for transparency in military activities near disputed waters. Similarly, in the Philippines, which has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels in recent years, analysts have expressed concern that such exercises could embolden China’s assertive posture in the region.
Meanwhile, in Thailand, public sentiment appears largely supportive of the government’s decision to participate. Many view the exercises as a practical step toward enhancing national security, particularly given the country’s exposure to maritime threats along its extensive coastline. On social media platforms like X, Thai users have shared posts praising the collaboration, with some highlighting the potential for technology and knowledge transfer from China’s advanced naval forces. Others, however, have questioned whether the partnership risks compromising Thailand’s sovereignty or drawing it into larger geopolitical conflicts.
From China’s perspective, the exercises are a clear demonstration of its commitment to regional stability—at least as defined by Beijing. Official statements have framed the drills as a contribution to “peace and security” in Asia, a narrative that aligns with China’s broader diplomatic messaging. Yet, critics argue that such initiatives often serve to normalize China’s military presence in contested areas, potentially undermining the interests of smaller nations in the region.
Economic and Military Dimensions of the Partnership
The China-Thailand relationship extends well beyond the realm of naval exercises. Over the past decade, the two countries have deepened economic ties, with China emerging as one of Thailand’s largest trading partners and a major source of foreign investment. High-profile projects, such as the China-Thailand high-speed railway, exemplify this cooperation, despite occasional setbacks due to funding disputes and local opposition. Military collaboration, including arms sales and joint training, has also grown, with Thailand purchasing submarines and armored vehicles from China in recent years.
These economic and military linkages provide context for the upcoming exercises in Zhanjiang. For Thailand, aligning with China offers access to advanced military technology and training opportunities, which are critical for modernizing its armed forces. At the same time, Beijing benefits from a reliable partner in Southeast Asia, one that can help amplify its influence in regional forums like ASEAN. The naval drills, while significant in their own right, are thus part of a broader tapestry of bilateral engagement.
However, this partnership is not without risks. Thailand’s reliance on Chinese military hardware, for instance, has raised concerns about interoperability with systems from other suppliers, including the United States. Additionally, any perception of over-dependence on China could complicate Thailand’s relations with Western allies, particularly at a time when global powers are increasingly focused on countering Beijing’s rise.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Act for Thailand
As the joint exercises approach, questions linger about their long-term implications for Thailand’s foreign policy and regional stability. Will such engagements with China encourage other ASEAN nations to pursue similar partnerships, potentially reshaping the balance of power in Southeast Asia? Or will they heighten tensions with neighboring countries already wary of China’s ambitions? For now, answers remain elusive, but the drills in Zhanjiang will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for the durability of China-Thailand military ties.
In Bangkok, policymakers are likely weighing these considerations carefully. The Thai government has long prided itself on its ability to navigate complex geopolitical waters, maintaining constructive relationships with both Eastern and Western powers. Whether this latest chapter of cooperation with China strengthens or strains that balancing act remains to be seen. As the navies of both nations prepare to converge on Zhanjiang, the eyes of the region—and the world—will be watching closely.
