President Thongloun Sisoulith arrives at Xiaoshan International Airport in Zhejiang province on Tuesday at the start of his state visit to China.

President begins visit to China to strengthen ties

Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, arrived in China’s Zhejiang province on Tuesday for a state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.
The President’s visit runs from June 2-6 at the invitation of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of China, Mr Xi Jinping.
Mr Thongloun, who is also the President of Laos, arrived at Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou City on June 2, accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation.
Chinese and Lao officials welcomed the delegation at the airport. They included Deputy Head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Mr Shen Zhou, the Ambassador of Laos to China, Mr Somphone Sichaleune, the Lao Consul-General in Shanghai, and other officials.
The state visit aims to deepen the long-standing friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Laos and China under the spirit of the “Four Goods” relations, which describe the two countries as good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners.
The two sides also seek to advance the vision of a Laos-China community with a shared future to a higher level and strengthen practical cooperation across a range of sectors.
President Thongloun and his delegation will meet senior Chinese leaders to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation and issues of common interest.
The Lao delegation will also visit Zhejiang province and meet provincial leaders.
Zhejiang is renowned for its hi-tech industry, and is known for its strong manufacturing base, technological innovations, and private-sector development.
The Lao delegation will tour development sites and production facilities in the province to learn from China’s experience in economic development, innovation, and industrial growth.
The President’s visit is expected to further strengthen political trust and create new opportunities for cooperation between Laos and China.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 3, 2026)