The China-Laos Railway has become a flagship symbol of the two countries’ partnership.

Laos-China at 64: A golden era of brotherhood and shared futures

As Laos and China celebrate the 64th anniversary of their diplomatic ties on April 25, which dates back to April 25, 1961, Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Ms Fang Hong, sat down with Lao and Chinese journalists to reflect on the remarkable milestones achieved through this enduring partnership.
With warmth and conviction, she spoke of a relationship built on shared ideals, mutual respect, and a deep-rooted sense of solidarity.

Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Ms Fang Hong.

Describing Laos and China as “extraordinary comrades and brothers”, Ambassador Fang underscored that the bilateral relationship has evolved into a model of inter-party and political cooperation.
From their joint resistance to foreign domination in the 20th century to their current alignment in socialist development paths, the two nations have stood shoulder to shoulder.
“Laos and China are extraordinary comrades and brothers,” she said. “Our two nations have stood side-by-side through times of struggle and now work together to advance socialist development and prosperity.”
Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, particularly Chinese President Xi Jinping, Laos and China have deepened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Ambassador Fang highlighted the significance of the master plans signed in 2019 and 2023, which have laid a strong foundation for cooperation across multiple sectors.
Today, China is Laos’ largest investor and a major trading partner. In 2024, the value of bilateral trade reached a record US$8.23 billion, an increase of 15.9 percent on the previous year.
Among the key achievements, the China-Laos Railway has become a flagship symbol of the partnership, transporting more than 50 million passengers since coming into service.
“This railway changed everything,” Ambassador Fang said. “It’s not just about tracks and trains — it’s about opportunity, education, and empowerment.”
The railway has transformed Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked hub, connecting it with Thailand, Singapore, and beyond. This increased connectivity has boosted tourism, trade, and economic growth.
In addition to the railway, projects such as the Vientiane-Vangvieng expressway, Luang Prabang Hospital, the new Mahosot Hospital, and the Railway Vocational School further demonstrate the depth of practical cooperation between the two nations.
Ambassador Fang noted that the bonds between the peoples of Laos and China have grown stronger, especially since the opening of the railway, which allows faster travel between families and friends.
Educational exchanges have also flourished, with hundreds of Chinese students studying in Laos and thousands of Lao students pursuing degrees in China.
“When I walk along the streets, I often hear Lao people speaking Chinese,” Ambassador Fang said warmly. “Many young Lao people love learning Chinese, and I believe many of your friends have studied in China.”

Chinese tourists are entertained on their arrival at a train station in Laos.

These growing people-to-people ties provide a strong foundation for even deeper cooperation in the future, she added.
Reflecting on six decades of camaraderie, Ambassador Fang shared touching stories that illustrate the deep roots of Laos-China relations, including the close classmate ties between some Lao officials and Xi Jinping, now the President of China.
In 1967, China established a special school in Guangxi to educate the children of Lao revolutionaries, nurturing future Lao leaders. During the Indochina war, thousands of Chinese soldiers helped build infrastructure and fought alongside Lao forces, cementing a legacy of shared sacrifice.
More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Laos provided timely assistance to China, once again reaffirming the enduring spirit of solidarity between the two nations.
“In times of hardship, we have always stood together,” Ambassador Fang said. “Our friendship is deeply rooted in shared history and values.”
With Laos celebrating major milestones this year—the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR—Ambassador Fang expressed her admiration for the resilience and vision of the Lao people.
She emphasised that both China and Laos remain committed to serving their peoples and advancing socialist development.
Turning to the global stage, Ambassador Fang addressed rising protectionism and the recent tariffs imposed by the United States, describing them as “unjust and harmful to fair trade”.
“China will respond decisively and continue to open its doors to partners who share our vision of cooperation and mutual benefit,” she said.
Ambassador Fang also highlighted the potential of China-ASEAN cooperation, noting that in 2023, the value of bilateral trade between China and ASEAN reached US$982.3 billion, an increase of 7.7 percent. Laos’ exports to China rose by 121 percent to US$880 million.
She said the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and progress in upgrading the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) would lead to even greater regional prosperity.
“We should work hand-in-hand to uphold true multilateralism, oppose unilateralism, and allow fair trade to overcome protectionism. Together, we can preserve peace and promote development across the region,” she added.

By Times reporters
 (Latest Update April 28, 2025)