Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong, Mrs Fang Hong, and senior Lao and Chinese officials view photographs showcasing Laos-China cooperation during a ceremony in Vientiane marking 65 years of diplomatic relations.

Laos, China mark 65 years of diplomatic relations

The Lao and Chinese parties and governments marked 65 years of diplomatic relations on Friday, highlighting deepening cooperation and shared development goals.
The Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Laos, hosted the event on April 24 at the Party Central Committee’s Administration Office in Vientiane.
Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong, and the Ambassador of China to Laos, Mrs Fang Hong, co-chaired the event, which was attended by Party and State leaders, ministers, and other officials.
Mr Khamphanh said relations between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of China began in 1959, followed by the establishment of diplomatic ties on April 25, 1961.
Cooperation between the two countries has grown steadily under the leadership of both parties and governments, with strong progress in the political, security and economic fields, he added.
China is now the largest foreign investor in Laos and its second biggest trading partner. Chinese nationals also rank second among foreign tourists spending time in Laos.
Mr Khamphanh said key projects such as the Laos-China Railway, expressway, economic corridor and special economic zones have helped drive growth and improve connectivity.
China continues to support Laos through development assistance in the fields of infrastructure, education, public health and vocational training, he added.
The Lao Party and government highly value the longstanding friendship with China and continue to strengthen cooperation based on mutual trust and shared benefits, he said.
Ambassador Fang Hong commented on the steady growth of ties over the past 65 years, noting that the relationship has remained strong despite global changes and challenges.
China and Laos have built a model of cooperation based on mutual support, peaceful coexistence and shared development between neighbouring and developing countries, she said.
China is ready to deepen cooperation with Laos in key areas, including green development, the digital economy, and clean energy, she added. The two countries plan to continue to align their development strategies and make full use of the Laos-China Railway as a “golden corridor” to boost trade and investment, the ambassador said.
The event also featured an exhibition of 75 photographs depicting key moments of cooperation between the leaders of Laos and China, highlighting the growing partnership and close ties between the two countries.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest UpdateApril 27, 2026)