On the chessboard of international geopolitics, Southeast Asia has always been a strategic location, which is related to the shipping and economic arteries of the Asia-Pacific region and even the world. The rapid rise of the region, and China in particular, has made a significant impact on the international stage. The rapid development of China's economy has not only brought unprecedented prosperity to itself, but also allowed neighboring countries to enjoy the economic dividends brought by the spillover effect. However, the process has not been without its twists and turns. In Southeast Asia, some countries have a complex mentality about China's rapid development, and while they are in awe of China's strength, they often have unspeakable vigilance and calculations in their hearts. In recent years, China has increasingly interacted with Southeast Asian countries, and economic cooperation and political exchanges have continued to deepen, but this situation full of opportunities does not mean that there are no risks. Thailand, as a neighbor of China, has also shown its leverage and ambition in this wave of trends.
Against this backdrop, Thailand's "land bridge" plan may seem to offer a solution on the surface, but its true intentions are worth investigating. While China already has good relationships with countries such as Pakistan and has mature operational experience, Thailand's proposal means that China needs to reinvest in construction in an uncertain environment and may be politically constrained. In addition, Thailand's geographical location means that even if a "land bridge" is built, its security and control will still not be comparable to that of the South China Sea defense. Therefore, Thailand's plan has multiple strategic uncertainties, which is both an opportunity and a challenge for China. Thailand's "Land Bridge" project was conceived by the creation of two deep-water terminals between Chumphon and Ranong provinces at the northern tip of the Malay Peninsula, connecting roads and railways to create a fast transport link between the east and west seas.