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PM cancels China visit

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has decided to cancel her introductory visit to China from Oct 19 to 21 because of the flood surrounding Bangkok, diplomatic sources said on Friday.
The flood crisis in Thailand forces Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to cancel her visit to China. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)
When Ms Yingluck announced postponement of Singapore and Malaysia visit last week, the China trip remained unchanged.  The sombre situation at home has made her call off the visit.

China was the first country to donate financial flood relief aid to Thailand. Ms Yingluck's China trip was meant to seal already-strong relations between the two countries and as the youngest sister of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose close ties with Beijing have not been severed during the past several years.

The premier's cancellation of her trip also comes in wake of a serious  diplomatic push by China for a more serious investigation into the murders of 12 Chinese crewmen of cargo vessels captured by drug smugglers on the Mekong river.

The Chinese media on Wednesday jumped on the story.
China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Liu Weimin has responded  by saying that the Chinese embassy in Bangkok and its consulate-general in Chiang Mai as well as a task force in Yunnan province, which borders the Golden Triangle, were in close communication and cooperation with the Thai government over the case.

"Investigation of the incident and the search for the missing crewman are still going on.
"The Foreign Ministry and the government of Yunnan province are coordinating with the governments of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos to guarantee the safety of homebound Chinese vessels and crewmen and provide convenience for a Chinese police patrol ship for escort," said Ms Liu.

On Thursday, China's vice foreign minister Song Tao summoned Thai charge d'affaires Warawudh Chuwiruch, Laos ambassador to China Somdy Bounkhoum and Burmese ambaassador to China U Tin Oo and formally protested about recent attacks on Chinese cargo ships and the killing of 12 Chinese crew members.

Mr Tao said that two Chinese cargo ships carrying 13 Chinese crew members were hijacked on the Mekong River on Oct 5. So far, 12 Chinese crew members have been confirmed dead and one remained missing.

"Deeply shocked by the incident, the Chinese government feels deep grief for the Chinese victims and strongly condemns the atrocities of the criminals. The Chinese government cherishes [the thought] it will thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice," he told the three diplomats.
China's Foreign Ministry summons Thai, Burmese and Lao officials to protest on the attack of Chinese cargo ships with Chinese crew onboard and the killing of 12 Chinese crew members. (Photo THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA)
China has demanded the three countries give active assistance for the investigation and promptly inform the Chinese side, arrest and punish the perpetrators according to law, provide assistance and protection for the Chinese crew  and ships staying in Chiang Saen to return to China, and ensure the safety of the crew and ships and facilitate and help Chinese public security patrol boats to pick them up, according to Mr Tao.

The three countries were also urged to take effective measures to strengthen protection of Chinese crew members and ships plying on Mekong River and prevent similar crimes from happening again.

The diplomats of the three countries offered their deep condolences over the killing of the Chinese crew members. They said that they attach great importance to the representation of the Chinese side and will immediately report to their governments. They were willing to fully cooperate with China to actively carry out investigations and provide full assistance to properly handle the aftermath, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website.
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Ref: Bangkok Post
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