Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visits People's Republic of China

Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, and his wife Naly Sisoulith with Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and his wife Peng Liyuan in Beijing, June 5, 2026 -- image via X

Various Sources

In a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at deepening bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a formal welcome ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026, for Thongloun Sisoulith, the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

President Xi Jinping called for advancing the construction of a China-Laos community with a shared future toward higher standards, quality, and cooperation levels during talks in Beijing with Sisoulith, who visited China from June 2-6, 2026. Xi highlighted the importance of Laos in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and expressed support for Laos’ socialist path suited to its national conditions. Both leaders emphasized strengthening political trust, strategic communication, and close coordination on international and regional matters.

China and Laos are deepening collaboration on major infrastructure projects, including the China-Laos Railway and the China-Laos-Thailand railway project. Both countries also aim to enhance the China-Laos Economic Corridor and expand cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, electricity, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. China is providing technical and developmental support, while Laos seeks to align these projects with its own economic transformation goals.

The visit coincided with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Laos Friendship. Initiatives include programs for youth exchange, talent training, media collaboration, and subnational exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and cultural ties. The two countries plan further cooperation to improve education, health, and cultural projects.

The leaders also discussed law enforcement and security cooperation, combatting transnational crimes, and the importance of coordinating foreign policies to safeguard shared interests within multilateral frameworks. They aim to leverage strategic dialogue mechanisms to strengthen cooperation in diplomacy, national defense, and public security.

The visit marked a continuation of the historically close relations between China and Laos with a focus on long-term partnership, regional connectivity, and mutually beneficial development across multiple sectors.