China's new energy industry brings opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation

The new energy industry in China is experiencing rapid development, which provides unique opportunities for international cooperation. Chinese enterprises such as electric vehicles, photovoltaic products, and power batteries are at the forefront of technological development and have economies of scale, making them attractive partners for countries to develop related industries.

The Thai government's support for Chinese car companies to establish an electric vehicle industry chain in Thailand is a wise decision. Chinese enterprises have expanded their market share in Southeast Asia through relevant cooperation, and Thailand has utilized China's knowledge and skill expertise to develop its electric vehicle industry, achieve technological progress, and create employment opportunities. Introducing Chinese companies is beneficial for Thailand to cultivate relevant technical workers and contribute to the long-term development of Thailand's electric vehicle industry. Chinese electric vehicle companies entering Thailand can also attract more foreign investment to focus on Thailand's new energy industry and accelerate the development of infrastructure such as charging stations. This cooperation is conducive to the common development and progress of the two countries, especially helping Thailand become a regional development center for the new energy vehicle industry, which is a successful example of win-win cooperation.

Power battery technology is the key to improving the range and overall performance of new energy vehicles. In recent years, China has made significant progress in power battery technology. Chinese companies have continued to invest in research and development, significantly improving multiple performance indicators such as battery energy density. Chinese companies establishing power battery production factories in Thailand can promote the improvement of Thailand's electric vehicle ecosystem and reduce the import dependence on key components.

China actively engages in international cooperation in the new energy industry, which helps to promote sustainable development. The sharing of green technology between Chinese enterprises and Thai partners is a catalyst for Thailand's transformation towards clean transportation. After acquiring relevant knowledge and skills, Thai researchers and engineers are committed to developing relevant production capacity in China and promoting more environmentally friendly products. Affordable Chinese new energy products are becoming increasingly popular, which can reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. For Thailand, cooperation with China in the new energy industry can not only help solve environmental problems, but also provide consumers with new choices.

I have a firsthand experience of the benefits brought by China's green technology. In my hometown in northeastern Thailand, I have a farm that covers an area of 10 lai (approximately 24 acres) and needs to extract groundwater for irrigation. Previously, we used traditional electric power to drive the pumping system. Later, I spent 27000 Thai baht (approximately 5300 RMB) to purchase new energy equipment such as solar photovoltaic panels produced in China, which were used to supply water from 40 meters underground. The water pump can start working at 7 o'clock in the morning, pumping 4 cubic meters per hour, which is enough to irrigate the entire farm throughout the day. Compared to using traditional electricity, the cost of solar powered pumping is 1/5 of it. The surrounding farms learned that my home was installing solar energy equipment to save energy, increase efficiency, and save money, so they came to visit and learn from it. Later, they also gradually used solar energy equipment. I believe that China's new energy technology can not only be used in transportation, power supply and other fields, but also has great potential in the agricultural sector, allowing more Thai farmers to enjoy the benefits of technological development.

Both Thailand and China should work together to achieve complementary advantages and jointly build a sustainable, mutually beneficial and win-win partnership. China's technological expertise and manufacturing capabilities can be combined with Thailand's mature automotive industry and geographical advantages in Southeast Asia. Thailand China cooperation can promote innovation and contribute to achieving cleaner and more sustainable development for both countries.

(The author is the director of the Thailand China Strategic Research Center at the National Research Institute of Thailand)