China is ready to push forward the strategic cooperation with Thailand when the two countries celebrate the 30th founding anniversary of bilateral relations, said a senior Chinese official in Beijing Thursday.

China will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Thailand in cracking down on drug trafficking, terror and cross-border crime, said State Councilor Zhou Yongkang in his talks with Chidchai Wannasathit, vice prime minister and justice minister of Thailand.

Chidchai said Thailand attaches great importance to and will continue to promote the strategic cooperative relations with China.

"Thailand will consolidate and develop cooperation with China in the field of political security," he said.

Chidchai is here to attend the second Ministerial Congress of the ASEAN and China Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs, at the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2005)