Ambassador Fang Hong addresses the reception. --Photo Sangkhamxay

Laos, China poised to deepen cooperation as the latter marks 77th anniversary

Laos and China are poised to deepen practical cooperation as both countries embark on their new five-year development plans, Chinese Ambassador Fang Hong said at a reception in Vientiane to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the reception at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane on Monday, Ambassador Fang highlighted the progress made in China’s development and the longstanding friendship between the two neighbouring countries. She expressed China’s readiness to work with Laos to turn new opportunities into tangible benefits for their peoples.
“This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos and the Year of China-Laos Friendship,” she said, noting that the two countries have maintained close ties based on shared ideals, mutual trust and support.
Ambassador Fang recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith during the latter’s visit to China in June, and said the two leaders agreed to work together to build an “all-weather China-Laos community with a shared future in the new era”.
She said the new positioning of bilateral ties reflected the high level of political mutual trust between the two countries, and provided direction for China and Laos to work together in responding to global changes, advancing modernisation and promoting common development.
Ambassador Fang highlighted several practical cooperation projects that she said have brought tangible benefits to people in Laos.
The China-Laos Railway, for example, has helped overcome geographical barriers and opened new opportunities for Lao people, while poverty reduction cooperation has enabled villagers in Dokkham village in Vientiane to acquire new farming techniques and increase household incomes.
In the health sector, China’s “Bright Journey” cataract surgery programme has helped thousands of Lao people regain their sight, while cooperation at Mahosot Hospital has continued to improve healthcare and access to traditional Chinese medicine treatment.
She also pointed to the China-Laos 500-kilovolt power grid interconnection project, which has increased the capacity of both countries for electricity exchange to 1.5 million kilowatts. The project is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 2.5 million tonnes and has contributed to the development of local power sector professionals.
Such stories demonstrated the practical dimension of the friendship between the two countries. “There are many more such stories. We will ensure more ordinary people will benefit from our ever-stronger friendship,” Ambassador Fang told the guests.
Looking beyond bilateral cooperation, she said China and Laos are strengthening coordination through multilateral mechanisms, including the United Nations, China-ASEAN cooperation, and Lancang-Mekong cooperation.
She noted that Laos has become a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and a founding member of the International Organisation for Mediation. In July this year, Laos signed an agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, becoming one of its 29 founding member states, she said. Turning to China’s development, Ambassador Fang said the country has transformed significantly over the past 77 years, with its GDP reaching 140.2 trillion yuan in 2025 and its 14th Five-Year Plan concluding successfully.
She said China’s economy grew 4.7 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while technological innovation, artificial intelligence, robotics, innovative medicine, green development and higher-standard opening up continued to advance.
As China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period and Laos implements its own five-year development plan for 2026-2030, the ambassador said the two countries’ development strategies are creating new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
“Shared values lead to shared purpose, and a shared purpose makes us comrades,” she said, adding that China and Laos are connected not only by mountains and rivers but also by shared ideals and a common cause.
Ambassador Fang said China is ready to work with Laos to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, provide firm mutual support, and translate opportunities into practical benefits for people in both countries.
She also expressed China’s willingness to work with other countries to safeguard peace, promote development and build a better future for humanity.
The reception brought together Politburo member and Standing Member of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, General Vilay Lakhamfong, other senior Lao officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
 (Latest Update September 23, 2026)