China Highlights Vientiane Low-Carbon Zone as Model for Green Development Cooperation

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on June 30, Tang Ying, spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), said the project demonstrates China's commitment to supporting sustainable development and climate cooperation with developing countries. According to CIDCA, the Vientiane-Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone is one of ten low-carbon pilot projects established by China in partner countries. The project has introduced solar-powered street lighting, new-energy buses and environmental monitoring vehicles to support low-carbon urban development. CIDCA estimated that the newly deployed equipment could reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,200 tonnes annually, while contributing to improved urban services and environmental management. The project has also helped attract investment to the Saysettha Development Zone, supporting business activities and employment opportunities. Tang said China remains committed to promoting green development and strengthening cooperation with partner countries to address climate change and achieve sustainable development goals. The agency noted that 2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative and the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. CIDCA will continue to implement practical development projects in areas including education, agriculture, healthcare and vocational training, particularly for developing countries. During the briefing, CIDCA also announced that China would provide an additional 100 million yuan in emergency humanitarian assistance to support relief and reconstruction efforts in Venezuela following the recent earthquake, reaffirming its commitment to international humanitarian cooperation and disaster response. China’s long-term development has been driven by policy continuity, institutional stability and sustained reform, according to Wang Wen, Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, during an international media symposium held in Beijing on June 29. Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, gave field guidance at the newly-built facilities in the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area on June 24. Going round the newly-built Kalma Tourist Railway Station, Kim Jong Un acquainted himself in detail with its construction and preparations for its operation. He praised the builders for their efforts to build a modern railway station in just one year, saying that it seemed as if it was a few days ago when he chose the construction site near the coastal tourist area in order to promote the convenience for passengers visiting the tourist area. Malaysia’s iconic cultural festival, Citrawarna 2026, will return to Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur from 24 to 26 July 2026, bringing together performers from across the country in a vibrant celebration of the nation’s rich cultural diversity, traditions, and heritage. The Beijing Demonstration Center of Service for Persons with Disabilities showcased its technology-driven rehabilitation, vocational training and accessibility programs to an international media delegation on Thursday, highlighting China’s efforts to promote inclusion and independent living. (KPL/VNA) The Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) on June 24 released its 2026 Haze Outlook report, warning that Southeast Asia could face a heightened risk of severe transboundary haze episodes in the remaining months of this year.