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| (From left) Lao Ambassador Somphone Sichaleune, DPM Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Mr Li Hongzhong and Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, cut a cake to mark the 65th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic relations. |
Laos, China mark 65 years of diplomatic relations in Beijing
The Embassy of the Lao PDR to China, in collaboration with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, celebrated the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and China at a ceremony held in Beijing last Thursday.
The anniversary celebrations are the highlight of Laos-China Friendship Year 2026.
The event was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Li Hongzhong.
Lao Ambassador to China Somphone Sichaleune, and Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Hua Chunying were also present, along with representatives from numerous government agencies, the diplomatic corps, and other individuals.
Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Mr Li Hongzhong outlined the evolution of Laos-China ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations on April 25, 1961, describing the occasion as a historic milestone that laid the foundation for long-term cooperation.
They noted that relations have steadily deepened under the comprehensive strategic partnership framework, guided by the “four goods” principle—good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners—and have progressed towards building a Laos–China community with a shared future.
The two leaders described the progress made under cooperation frameworks, including the first master plan on building the Laos-China community with a shared future (2019-2023), signed in April 2019, and the ongoing second master plan for 2024–2028, aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of bilateral cooperation.
Over the past 65 years, Laos-China relations have expanded across multiple sectors. Political trust remains a cornerstone, underpinned by close ties between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of China. Economic cooperation has also strengthened, with China continuing to rank as Laos’ largest foreign investor.
Connectivity has improved significantly following the opening of the Laos-China Railway in December 2021, which has carried millions of passenger and a huge amount of freight, supporting Laos’ goal to use its landlocked status to become a strategic land link within the ASEAN region.
Cooperation has further expanded into defence, security, socio-cultural development, and science and technology.
During the anniversary event, Laos reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China policy and reiterated its support for global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative.
The celebration also featured a photo exhibition highlighting the history of Laos-China cooperation, as well as cultural shows staged by performers from both countries, generating an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update May 5, 2026)
