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U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. REUTERS
Thailand is maintaining a well-calibrated balance between China and the United States, but details concerning the distribution of benefits and strategic interests require closer scrutiny, academics say.
They also recommend Thailand broaden its strategic partnerships to enhance equilibrium among major powers.
Assoc Prof Somjai Phagaphasvivat, a political-economy expert, said Thailand's balancing act between China and the United States rests on two key agreements with Washington -- one concerning trade and the other relating to rare-earth minerals.
He said the trade aspect still contains unresolved technicalities, particularly the issue of trans-shipment and rules of origin, which could affect goods produced with Chinese investment in Thailand.
"These are details that have yet to be discussed in depth," he said.
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As for rare-earth cooperation, Assoc Prof Somjai
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