Chinese ice breaker Xuelong 2 visits Thailand for first time

File photo shows China's first self-developed polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 docks at a port in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (Photo/China News Service)

(ECNS) – China's domestically built icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, wrapped up a five-day visit to Thailand on May 23, offering public tours and highlighting the growing scientific and technological ties between the two countries.

Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn attended the welcome ceremony for Xuelong 2's first visit to Thailand, praising the progress of Sino-Thai cooperation in polar research.

China and Thailand have carried out fruitful, collaborative marine studies in recent years. Both countries jointly established the Sirindhorn China-Thailand Joint Laboratory and successfully conducted nine flagship projects in polar research and environmental protection.

The vessel's visit follows its expedition to the Antarctic and honors the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand this year.

Next, the two sides will jointly organize events including the China-Thailand Marine Cooperation Achievements Exhibition and China-Southeast Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum to strengthen knowledge, technology, and experience sharing.

(By Li Yan)