Yet bilateral ties between the two countries have never been better, and the future is promising, according to Zhang Jiu-huan, China's ambassador to Bangkok.

In a recent interview with Nation Group editor in chief Suthichai Yoon, to be aired this evening on Modern Nine TV's World Beat with Suthichai, the emissary discussed how China's diplomatic persistence has helped overcome historical tensions with Thailand.

Zhang argued that much of the turbulence and "misunderstanding" of the past were largely shaped by "rumour with no real basis" and insisted that China's rapid expansion will not come at the Kingdom's expense.

He admitted, however, that Chinese fruits and spices may be squeezing locally-grown produce off the shelves, Thai produce may be snagged by red tape upon arrival at Chinese ports of entry, and Chinese cheap labour may be pulling investment from Thailand and other countries in the region.

"Yes, there are problems," he said. "But these problems are part of development, and it's important that we work together, taking them one step at a time."

Zhang, who first came to Thailand nearly three decades ago as part of the so-called Ping-Pong diplomacy that helped pave the way for formal ties, said the bottom line was that China "will not develop for development's sake".

"If it's unacceptable for us, then it should be unacceptable to others," he said.

Zhang said measures have been taken to assure minimal obstruction to the entry of Thai goods into Chinese markets and promised that various barriers or obstacles at the local level would be reduced.

He also encouraged more investment in China, especially in areas that would help decrease the development gap between its Western zone and coastal region, where foreign investment has taken off at an unprecedented pace.

Since the late 1990s, perception of China has changed significantly in the eyes of the Southeast Asia community. The shift came about as Beijing stepped up its soft power in the region, where Chinese-language schools have sprung up in unprecedented numbers.

While the gravitational pull of China's economic strength forces companies here to close their factories and opt for cheap labour on the mainland, the lure of fortune and glory in the world's largest market continues to capture the imagination of the business community.

But Zhang maintained that the superpower will act responsibly throughout its rapid economic expansion.