Bangkok: A Navy spokesman stated that the visit of a Chinese naval cadet training fleet to Thailand reflects Thai-Chinese cooperation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, maintaining the balance of power, and demonstrating the potential of Thai warships to train alongside warships of major powers, without being inferior to any other.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaiphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said the visit to Thailand by two Chinese naval cadet training ships, the Qi Jiguang (hull number 83) and the Yimenshan (hull number 988), which will be docked at the Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi Province from October 16-20, 2025, is in line with the Chinese Navy’s annual cadet training plan, which has been coordinated in advance.
Previously, the Chinese naval cadet training fleet visited Sihanoukville Port, Kingdom of Cambodia, and after visiting Thailand, will continue on to Singapore.
In addition to training naval cadets for the Chinese Navy, this event also serves as a means of strengthening Thai-Chinese relations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. This event is part of a celebration of the two countries’ ties, and reflects Thailand’s role in maintaining a balance of power amid the current regional security situation.
The Royal Thai Navy arranged for the HTMS Chang to welcome and participate in various exercises, such as ship formation training and inter-ship communication, which was considered beneficial to both parties.
The deployment of HTMS Chang to join the Chinese cadet training fleet, which includes one Chinese cadet training ship and one warship, is a mark of honor and reflects the Thai Navy’s commitment to being inferior to any other country. HTMS Chang, acquired from China, is considered new and is similar in size to the two Chinese cadet training ships.
The Navy spokesman also stated that, in principle, naval cadet training squadrons from various countries generally plan their shipping routes to be consistent with the current situation, focusing on training cadets to become familiar with shipping routes and practicing docking in various ports, which will be for them to grow up to become ship personnel or ship commanders, or to perform various duties in the future.
The cadets of this Chinese navy training squadron include personnel who will work on warships/submarines, military doctors, and a total of 1,214 crew members. The Chinese navy will have a dedicated ship for cadet training, unlike the Royal Thai Navy, which uses existing warships to allow cadets to conduct maritime exercises and visit various ports. This also includes the opportunity to strengthen ties with friendly nations on important occasions. This is believed to be the principle used by navies in various countries to organize practical training for cadets.
In determining the shipping routes of the Naval Cadet Training Squadrons, in general, besides choosing routes that are in the operational areas of the navies of each country, the choice of visiting Thailand therefore shows the good relationship between the two countries.
It also demonstrated that Thai warships have the capability to train alongside Chinese navy warships. There will also be joint activities between Thai and Chinese naval cadets, with Chinese cadets visiting and exchanging knowledge with Thai cadets at the Samut Prakan Naval Academy before continuing their journey to Singapore.
According to the information, the Chinese naval cadet training fleet’s training plan will rotate its routes to various countries every year. This year, it will visit three port cities: Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Chuk Samet Port, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, Thailand; and Singapore before returning.