Thailand Strengthens Military Ties With China Following US Exercises

Thailand is expanding its military cooperation with China through joint exercises and arms acquisitions, a strategic shift that is testing its long-standing security alliance with the United States.

While Thailand remains a treaty ally of the U.S., the kingdom has increasingly turned to Beijing for military hardware and strategic training, balancing its regional security interests between the two superpowers.

This trend is evidenced by the conduct of joint military exercises with China, which follow a pattern of Thailand maintaining its traditional ties with the U.S. While simultaneously deepening its operational relationship with the People’s Republic of China.

Shift in Military Procurement and Training

China has emerged as a primary arms supplier to Thailand’s ruling military junta in recent years. The procurement list includes high-end military equipment such as VT-4 main battle tanks and a Type 071E amphibious dock ship.

Beyond heavy machinery, the two nations have focused on specialized naval capabilities. The Royal Thai Navy has pursued a deal for a Chinese-made S26T Yuan-class submarine, a project that has seen various stages of revival and consideration regarding the use of Chinese-made engines.

Joint training has also intensified. In August 2022, the Chinese and Thai air forces launched the 11-day Falcon Strike 2022 exercise at the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in northern Thailand, which featured realistic air combat simulations.

The Foundation of the U.S.-Thailand Alliance

Thailand’s relationship with the United States is one of the oldest in Asia, beginning in 1833 when Thailand, then known as Siam, signed a treaty of amity and commerce with the U.S.

The security bond strengthened during the Cold War. In 1954, Thailand became one of three Asian countries to join the Manila Pact, a collective defense agreement stating that an attack on any member was a threat to all.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Thailand served as a critical staging ground for U.S. Operations during the Vietnam War. In 2003, the United States designated Thailand as a major non-NATO ally.

A cornerstone of this alliance is the annual Cobra Gold exercise, which Thailand co-hosts with the U.S. These are recognized as the largest multilateral military exercises in the world, involving thousands of troops from various nations.

The Impact of the 2014 Coup

The trajectory of Thailand’s strategic alignment shifted significantly following a military coup in 2014 that overthrew the democratically elected government.

In response to the coup, Washington sharply reduced its military engagement and support, creating a strategic vacuum. This withdrawal provided an opening for Beijing to step in and strengthen its ties with the Thai military leadership.

The resulting drift toward China has led some analysts to suggest that the U.S. Security alliance with Thailand, despite its formal strength on paper, has become less effective in practice.

Strategic Implications for Southeast Asia

The growing proximity between Bangkok and Beijing is viewed by security experts as a sign of waning U.S. Influence in Southeast Asia.

Emma Chanlett-Avery, director of political-security affairs at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington, has noted the shift in Thailand’s strategic alignment.

Thailand’s increasing ties to China accelerates the trend of the U.S. Losing strategic influence in Southeast Asia. Despite Thailand’s status as a treaty ally of the U.S., Bangkok’s center of gravity has long been leaning toward the PRC.

Emma Chanlett-Avery, Asia Society Policy Institute

As Thailand continues to conduct joint exercises with both the U.S. And China, the kingdom is attempting a delicate balancing act, leveraging its treaty obligations to Washington while integrating Chinese military technology and strategy into its national defense.