Lao and Chinese officials tour a photo exhibition highlighting milestones in Laos-China relations over the past decades.

Laos, China mark 65 years of ties amid expanding trade, investment

The value of two-way trade between Laos and China soared to nearly US$10 billion in 2025, up almost 20 percent year-on-year, while China remained Laos’ largest foreign investor with cumulative investment exceeding US$18 billion, highlighting deepening economic ties between the two countries.
The figures were cited at a ceremony held in Vientiane on Thursday to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and China, as well as 2026 being Laos-China Friendship Year.
The event was attended by high-ranking Lao government officials including Politburo member and Standing Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, and Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Ms Fang Hong, along with other senior officials, diplomats and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Fang Hong talked about the enduring friendship between the two neighbouring countries, describing it as rooted in a long history of mutual support and solidarity.
She said China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Laos, particularly in connectivity, trade and investment, and to continue fostering high-quality bilateral relations.
Mr Thongsavanh said that amid an increasingly complex and unpredictable global landscape, it is of great importance for Laos and China to further strengthen and expand their longstanding friendship and long-term, stable, comprehensive strategic partnership.
The two nations should continue to adhere to the “four goods” principle and advance the building of a Laos-China community with a shared future of a high standard, enabling bilateral ties to reach new heights while fostering peace, friendship and development in the region and beyond, he added.
He noted that Laos and China are close neighbours connected by shared mountains and rivers, with longstanding bonds of friendship between their peoples dating back centuries. These ties, he said, have been reinforced through mutual support during national liberation struggles and continued cooperation in national development.
On the economic front, he observed that the value of bilateral trade exceeded US$9.8 billion, marking a 19.3 percent increase, while China remained Laos’ largest foreign investor with cumulative investment reaching US$18 billion.
He also pointed to strong growth in tourism, with China ranking among the top three sources of foreign visitors to Laos. More than one million Chinese tourists visited the country in 2025, representing a 24.32 percent increase year-on-year.
A flagship example of the two nations’ cooperation is the Laos-China Railway, which has enhanced regional connectivity and facilitated trade and travel since its launch in December 2021. The railway has transported more than 11 million passengers and nearly 17 million tonnes of goods.
As part of the celebratory event, participants viewed a photo exhibition highlighting milestones in Laos-China relations, watched a short video showcasing the evolution of bilateral cooperation over the past 65 years, and enjoying traditional music and dance performances by Lao and Chinese troupes.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest UpdateApril 27, 2026)