On the morning of September 4, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China met with the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, who was visiting China to attend the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and the commemorative activities for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and for an official visit.

It was pointed out that since the signing of the new five-year action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future in October 2023, cooperation between the two sides in various fields has yielded significant results. Theoretical seminars between the two parties and cadre training cooperation have been solidly advanced, the intergovernmental agreement on the « one-stop inspection » model for the China-Laos Railway has been officially signed, and cooperation on major projects, anti-corruption efforts, and the pursuit of fugitives and recovery of illicit assets has been productive, demonstrating the strategic significance and exemplary role of the China-Laos community with a shared future.

It was emphasized that given the current complex and profound changes in the international and regional landscape, both sides should view and manage China-Laos relations with a long-term perspective and strategic thinking, and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. Taking the opportunity of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, both sides should plan and carry out exchanges in various fields. China is willing to deepen exchanges on governance and state administration experience with Laos and supports the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in preparing for and successfully convening its 12th National Congress. Using the operation of the China-Laos Railway and the development along its route as a focus, efforts should be made to continuously expand the radiating and driving effects of the « Golden Gateway, » and to enhance the quality and upgrading of key projects. Cooperation in defense, law enforcement, and security should be deepened, maintaining high-pressure and strict crackdowns on cross-border gambling, telecom fraud, and other crimes. China congratulates Laos on becoming a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and is willing to deepen coordination and cooperation with Laos under regional mechanisms such as China-ASEAN cooperation, Lancang-Mekong cooperation, and the East Asia Summit, to promote regional peace and development.

Warm congratulations were extended on the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and the commemorative activities for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Gratitude was expressed for the long-term valuable support and assistance provided, noting that current China-Laos relations are at their best in history, and the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future continues to achieve fruitful results. Laos is willing to continue implementing the new five-year action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future, focusing on advancing the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, accelerating the implementation of the « one-stop inspection » agreement for the China-Laos Railway, and improving the effectiveness of practical cooperation in various fields. Laos sincerely thanks China for supporting its becoming a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, fully supports the global governance initiative proposed by the General Secretary, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on the international stage. Thanks were also given for the strong support provided in preparing for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, with best wishes for the complete success of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Others attended the meeting.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit is the annual meeting of the Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance originally formed in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian states. The summits serve as a forum for member states to discuss and coordinate on issues of mutual interest, with its history reflecting a shift in focus from regional border security to broader geopolitical and economic cooperation.

Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression refers to China’s prolonged war of national resistance against Imperial Japan, which began with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937 and lasted until Japan’s surrender in 1945. It was a major theatre of World War II, marked by immense Chinese civilian and military casualties. The conflict is a foundational element of modern Chinese national identity and a cornerstone of the historical narrative of the People’s Republic of China.

World Anti-Fascist War

The World Anti-Fascist War, more commonly known as World War II (1939-1945), was a global conflict between the Allied powers and the Axis powers. It is remembered for its immense human cost and as a monumental struggle to defeat aggressive fascist and militaristic regimes. The war’s conclusion led to the establishment of the United Nations and a new international order aimed at preventing such a conflict from happening again.

China-Laos Railway

The China-Laos Railway is a 1,035 km electrified railway connecting Kunming, China, to Vientiane, Laos, which officially opened in December 2021. A flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, it was constructed to boost trade, tourism, and regional connectivity. Historically, it represents the first major railway in Laos, transforming a nation once known as a « land-locked » country into a « land-linked » hub in Southeast Asia.

Golden Gateway

The Golden Gateway is a major urban redevelopment project in San Francisco, California, originally constructed in the 1960s. It was built on the site of the old produce market and was one of the first large-scale, modern redevelopments in the city, featuring a mix of residential towers, commercial space, and the iconic Embarcadero Center.

China-ASEAN cooperation

« China-ASEAN cooperation » refers to the formal partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), established through dialogue that began in 1991. It has grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership focusing on economic integration, political-security collaboration, and socio-cultural exchange, significantly shaping the regional architecture of Asia.

Lancang-Mekong cooperation

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) is a multilateral mechanism established in 2016 by the six countries sharing the Mekong River. It aims to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development in areas such as water resources, connectivity, and poverty alleviation. Its history is rooted in addressing shared challenges and harnessing the potential of the Mekong region, which is vital to Southeast Asia’s economy and ecology.

East Asia Summit

The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a premier forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation on key political, security, and economic issues in the wider Asia-Pacific region. It was established in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and originally comprised 16 participating countries, which has since expanded to 18 members, including major powers like the United States and Russia.