Thai senior military officials met with China on Wednesday to discuss regional security and joint military training exercises.

The meeting will primarily focus on exchanging views on preserving regional security as well as to discuss future military plans of action with China, said Thai defense minister General Surasak Kanjanarat, who will lead the Thai delegation and will meet with China's army deputy chief of staff Lieutenant General Wang Guanzhong, according to Reuters.

Like Us on Facebook

"This meeting will be to talk about ties... We will discuss in which areas we could increase military training," Surasak said.

"We will not talk about the situation in Thailand because it is not relevant."

Amid criticism from some foreign governments, including former ally United States, Thailand grows increasingly concerned on preserving and restoring international relations.

"Thailand is not able to be alone in this world and a great part of our income comes from exports which relies on international relationships," junta leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

 "We can't make everyone agree with our actions but our duty is to create understanding."

After the declaration of Martial law, the U.S. had expressed its disapproval by pulling back its $3.5 million military aid and suspended joint training with Thai military.

It must also be noted that Thailand's engagement with China comes at a time when the U.S. strengthens its ties with other Asian allies like Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam to counter China's assertiveness.

Nevertheless, Thailand seems to have the support of China and Vietnam as ambassadors of both countries had recently met with Thailand's officials as a show of support.

Just last week, China's business sector leaders had met with Thai officials to affirm its intention to continue business and explore further investment opportunities in Thailand.

Moreover, the Malaysian defense minister is due to meet with Thai officials next week in what the junta describes as "a good understanding of the Thai situation." This visit will be the first time an international minister will be travelling to the country since the coup in May.

TagsBangkok, World News, Junta, coup, 2014 coup, U.S., Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, asia news, Regional security, Surasak Kanjanarat, Wang Guanzhong, Prayuth Chan-ocha, Defense, international defense, thailand coup, bangkok coup, inter-country relations