Lao, Chinese Leaders Discuss Strengthening Strategic Cooperation, Community with Shared Future

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, met with Mr. Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Vice Premier of the State Council, on the sidelines of the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo. The two sides discussed ways to translate the outcomes of the state visit to China by General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith in June 2026 into concrete cooperation, particularly the leaders’ consensus on further developing the Laos-China Community with a Shared Future. The Lao side expressed appreciation to China for hosting the China-ASEAN Expo and for the development of Guangxi as an important gateway linking China with ASEAN. Laos reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China principle and its readiness to strengthen coordination with China in regional and international affairs. Both sides agreed to encourage relevant sectors to implement cooperation plans and agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, covering connectivity, rural development and poverty reduction, public health, education, and socio-cultural cooperation. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation around the Laos-China Railway, including the development of related projects to promote high-quality economic growth and ensure mutual benefits for both countries. Noting that 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic relations and the Laos-China Year of Friendship, the two sides agreed to promote regular exchanges and visits between central and local authorities. The two sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two Parties, two States and the peoples of Laos and China, guided by the “Four Good” spirit and aimed at delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.