The Chinese mainland's top political advisor, Wang Huning, led a high-level delegation to Vientiane from December 1 to 3, attending celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The visit highlighted deepening strategic cooperation and marked key milestones in the China-Laos partnership.
During the visit, Wang held separate talks with leading figures such as Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos; Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone; National Assembly President Saysomphone Phomvihane; and Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, president of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Development.
In discussions with Thongloun Sisoulith, Wang emphasized the Chinese mainland's readiness to deepen exchanges on governance experiences and implement the strategic consensus reached by both parties and countries. Both sides reaffirmed firm mutual support on core interests and major concerns—including the Taiwan question—and pledged to accelerate the building of a high-standard, high-quality, and high-level China-Laos community with a shared future.
The delegation also attended the Lao National Day military parade, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and inspected the Vientiane station of the China-Laos Railway. Since beginning operations in late 2021, the railway has become a flagship Belt and Road project, redefining connectivity between Kunming in the Chinese mainland and Vientiane and boosting trade and tourism flows.
Spotlighting the progress of comprehensive strategic cooperation, Laos' leadership reaffirmed commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to interference in the Chinese mainland's internal affairs. Looking ahead to 2026—when diplomatic relations will mark their 65th anniversary—both sides pledged to inject fresh momentum into economic ties, legislative exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity.
As the official visit wrapped up, Wang Huning and Lao leaders underlined a shared vision for sustainable development, infrastructure-driven growth, and deeper regional integration. The trip offered young entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and sustainability advocates new insights into how strategic partnerships can shape the future of emerging markets and cross-border collaboration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
