Historical friendship

"Sports has helped to strengthen the bonds between China and Thailand. It is also considered a valuable tradition in China-Thailand relations. The friendly match is believed to contribute to such a historical friendship and further promote the spirit of sports," said Han Zhiqiang, the Chinese ambassador to Thailand.

The Chinese women's ice hockey team won the trophy in the 2023 Division I Group A World Championship. Team China has returned to the top division of the International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championships with five straight wins.

"Led by the President of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association Wang Xuan, the delegation from China visited Thailand for the first time in history," Han said. "As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the match has served as a beginning of our friendship that is stepping into a new era."

Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand's minister of tourism and sports, said Thailand and China enjoy historical close bonds, which are a result of cooperation between the two countries' governments as well as their leaders and the Thai royal family. He said the friendly match will boost Thai-Chinese relations through the spirit of sports.

According to the Chinese embassy in Thailand, China and Thailand have agreed to promote high-level exchanges.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn