DHAKA: A delegation of Thai military commanders travelled to China on Wednesday for talks on regional security and joint training exercises amid Western unease over the Thai army’s seizure of power in a coup last month.

General Surasak Kanjanarat, deputy permanent secretary for defence, said the meeting was aimed at mapping out ‘future plans of action’ with the Chinese army, one of its oldest regional allies. He did not elaborate on the plans.

The bid by Thailand’s military rulers to strengthen ties with China comes after Western powers, including old ally the United States, criticised the May 22 coup.

The junta has said it has China’s support.

‘This meeting will be to talk about ties ... and future plans of action and exchange views on regional security,’ General Surasak, the head of the delegation, told reporters, according to The Straits Times.

‘We will discuss in which areas we could increase military training. We will not talk about the situation in Thailand because it is not relevant.’

BDST: 1328 HRS, JUNE 11, 2014