Special envoy of General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Saleumxay Kommasith, recently visited China. The visit took place within the context of the close comradely relations between the two neighbouring socialist countries, and in particular to further brief China’s leaders on the key outcomes of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, which took place in early January, and also as part of the Year of China-Laos Friendship, with 2026 marking the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Chinese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping met with Saleumxay Kommasith on April 21.
Xi pointed out that the mutual dispatch of special envoys by the CPC and the LPRP to brief each other on major political agendas demonstrates the profound traditional friendship and high-level political mutual trust between the two sides. He expressed his belief that that under the leadership of the Central Committee of the LPRP headed by General Secretary Thongloun, the Lao Party, state and people will surely overcome all difficulties, successfully complete all goals and tasks, steadily follow the socialist path, and achieve the centenary goal of the Party.
Xi emphasised that, at this new historical starting point, China and Laos should follow the policy of long-term stability, forward thinking, good neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation, and the spirit of being good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners. The two sides should take a strategic perspective on the future and destiny of socialism to maintain close coordination and cooperation, deepen strategic alignment, expand practical cooperation, jointly address common challenges, and advance the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future toward high standards, high quality and high levels.
Saleumxay, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee and deputy prime minister of Laos, conveyed a letter from Thongloun to Xi and briefed him on the 12th National Congress of the LPRP. He noted that China has maintained a safe and stable domestic political and social environment for a long time and created a miracle of sustained and rapid economic growth, and its role and influence on the international stage have been continuously enhanced.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, met with Saleumxay on the same day.
Wang called on both sides to strengthen inter-governmental institutional dialogues, enhance the quality and efficiency of China-Laos railway connectivity, jointly build an upgraded version of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and deliver more tangible outcomes in advancing regional connectivity.
Saleumxay said that Laos is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, jointly hold successful celebration activities for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and deepen cooperation in areas such as connectivity, energy and minerals. He expressed appreciation for China’s stance and role in major international and regional affairs, saying Laos is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China.
The previous day, Saleumxay had met with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), who said that the Lao side’s dispatch of a special envoy to China to brief on the LPRP’s 12th National Congress fully demonstrates General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith and the LPRP Central Committee’s willingness to strengthen strategic communication between the two Parties. It is believed that, under the leadership of General Secretary Thongloun, the new central leadership of the LPRP will unite and lead the Lao people to successfully accomplish the goals and tasks set forth at the LPRP’s 12th National Congress, steadily advance the strategic plans for the LPRP and national development in the new period, continuously open up new prospects for the Lao socialist cause, and press forward with resolve toward the centenary goal of the LPRP in 2055.
Saleumxay Kommasith briefed on the LPRP’s 12th National Congress, the Second Plenary Session of the LPRP’s 12th National Congress, and the first session of the 10th Lao National Assembly. He said, briefing each other on the major Party and state agendas is an important manifestation of the brotherly and comradely friendship between Laos and China, and a vivid interpretation of the spirit of the Laos-China community with a shared future. Laos highly appreciates the progress made in relations between the two Parties and countries in recent years, especially the close exchanges between their top leaders.
Coinciding with the visit, the Xinhua News Agency also reported that China’s first 500-kV cross-border alternating-current power link went into operation on April 20, marking a new step in energy cooperation between China and Laos.
The project, the largest and highest-voltage power connection between the two countries, triples cross-border transmission capacity from 50 megawatts to 150 megawatts. It is expected to transmit 3 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, 30 times the capacity of previous lines. According to Xinhua, the project not only serves as a tangible connection of infrastructure, but also strengthens the bond between the two peoples, and supports the optimised allocation of clean energy between the two countries.
Many technical and logistical problems had to be overcome in the course of bringing the project to fruition. For example, the Chinese section runs through the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve and Asian elephant habitats, requiring strict environmental protection measures. The route was optimised in the design stage to avoid protected areas and residential areas.
The project also brings tangible livelihood benefits to local communities in Laos, including building a primary school and five bilingual reading rooms, launching the country’s first sign-language audiovisual program, and supporting local industry development and infrastructure improvement.
Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith said the project will become a key artery in the country’s power sector. He noted that it will help ease domestic transmission constraints and support the development of renewable energy in northern Laos.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the IDCPC website.
Xi meets special envoy of Lao leader Thongloun
BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Saleumxay Kommasith, who is the special envoy of General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, in Beijing on Tuesday.
Xi pointed out that the mutual dispatch of special envoys by the CPC and the LPRP to brief each other on major political agendas demonstrates the profound traditional friendship and high-level political mutual trust between the two sides.
Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the Year of China-Laos Friendship, Xi said that not long ago, he and Thongloun reached a consensus through exchanged letters on deepening the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future.
Xi said it is believed that under the leadership of the Central Committee of the LPRP headed by General Secretary Thongloun, the Lao Party, state and people will surely overcome all difficulties, successfully complete all goals and tasks, steadily follow the socialist path, and achieve the centenary goal of the Party.
Xi emphasized that, at this new historical starting point, China and Laos should follow the policy of long-term stability, forward thinking, good neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation, and the spirit of being good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners.
The two sides should take a strategic perspective on the future and destiny of socialism to maintain close coordination and cooperation, deepen strategic alignment, expand practical cooperation, jointly address common challenges, and advance the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future toward high standards, high quality and high levels, Xi added.
Saleumxay, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee and deputy prime minister of Laos, conveyed a letter from Thongloun to Xi and briefed him on the relevant situation of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP.
Saleumxay noted that China has maintained a safe and stable domestic political and social environment for a long time and created a miracle of sustained and rapid economic growth, and its role and influence on the international stage have been continuously enhanced.
Laos firmly supports the major global initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and is willing to deepen comprehensive and practical cooperation with China to continuously achieve new results in building a Laos-China community with a shared future.
China-Laos ties face important opportunities in 2026: Chinese FM
BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) — The year 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos as well as the Year of China-Laos Friendship, presenting important opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, who is visiting China as special envoy of Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and president of Laos.
Wang welcomed Saleumxay to visit China, saying the visit fully reflects the high level of the China-Laos community with a shared future and will further enhance the strategic mutual trust between the two sides.
Wang called on both sides to strengthen inter-governmental institutional dialogues, enhance the quality and efficiency of China-Laos railway connectivity, jointly build an upgraded version of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and deliver more tangible outcomes in advancing regional connectivity.
China will leverage its strengths to align development strategies with Laos, boost whole-industry-chain cooperation in minerals, electricity and other sectors, deepen human resources development, and support Laos in economic transformation and industrial growth, he said.
Saleumxay, also a member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee, said Laos is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, jointly hold successful celebration activities for the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and deepen cooperation in areas such as connectivity, energy and minerals.
Saleumxay expressed appreciation for China’s stance and role in major international and regional affairs, saying Laos is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China.
Liu Haixing Meets with Saleumxay Kommasith, Special Envoy of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao President
April 22 (IDCPC) – Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Saleumxay Kommasith, Politburo Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), and Lao Deputy Prime Minister. Saleumxay Kommasith is also the Special Envoy of Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao President.
Liu said, the Lao side’s dispatch of a special envoy to China to brief on the relevant situation of the LPRP’s 12th National Congress fully demonstrates General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith and the LPRP Central Committee’s willingness to strengthen strategic communication between the two Parties. It is believed that, under the leadership of General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, the new central leadership of the LPRP will unite and lead the Lao people to successfully accomplish the goals and tasks set forth at the LPRP’s 12th National Congress, steadily advance the strategic plans for the LPRP and national development in the new period, continuously open up new prospects for the Lao socialist cause, and press forward with resolve toward the centenary goal of the LPRP in 2055.
Liu said, in recent years, under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, China-Laos relations have maintained a high level of development, and the building of a community with a shared future has continuously reached new heights. Under the new circumstances, China is willing to work with Laos to follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, take the implementation of the new five-year action plan on building a China-Laos community with a shared future as the main task, maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen experience exchanges in party building and state governance, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, promote pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and push the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future to a higher level.
Saleumxay Kommasith briefed on the LPRP’s 12th National Congress, the Second Plenary Session of the LPRP’s 12th National Congress, and the first session of the 10th Lao National Assembly. He said, briefing each other on the major Party and state agendas is an important manifestation of the brotherly and comradely friendship between Laos and China, and a vivid interpretation of the spirit of the Laos-China community with a shared future. Laos highly appreciates the progress made in relations between the two Parties and countries in recent years, especially the close exchanges between the top leaders of the two Parties and countries. Laos firmly supports the one-China principle, supports China in realizing national reunification, opposes the separatist activities of “Taiwan independence”, and opposes external interference in China’s internal affairs. Given the current complex and volatile international situation, Laos supports the four global initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and is willing to work with the international community to actively implement them. China is the primary source of investment and an important trading partner of Laos. Laos appreciates China’s valuable assistance to its economic and social development. Laos is willing to work hand in hand with China to actively implement the new five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future.
Chen Zhou, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, Bounleua Phandanouvong, Head of the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, Somphone Sichaleune, Lao Ambassador to China, and others were present.
China, Laos boost energy ties with new 500-kV cross-border power link
KUNMING/VIENTIANE, April 21 (Xinhua) — China’s first 500-kV cross-border alternating-current power link went into operation Monday, marking a new step in energy cooperation between China and Laos.
The project, the largest and highest-voltage power connection between the two countries, triples cross-border transmission capacity from 50 megawatts to 150 megawatts. It is expected to transmit 3 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, 30 times the capacity of previous lines.
The project not only serves as a tangible connection of infrastructure, but also strengthens the bond between the two peoples, and supports the optimized allocation of clean energy between the two countries.
GREEN, SMART CORRIDOR
Construction began on Feb. 26, 2025. The 177.5-km line includes a 145-km section in China built by China Southern Power Grid (CSG) and a 32.5-km section in Laos constructed by Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited (EDL-T).
“Nearly 1,200 Chinese and Lao constructors from 70 participating units completed the project in over 400 days of transnational collaborative work, overcoming challenges such as tight construction schedules and complex grid connection technologies,” said Meng Zhenping, chairman of the CSG.
Lin Rui, chairman of the EDL-T, said the project is like a “power highway,” effectively enhancing the power exchange capacity between China and Laos and the power supply capacity in northern Laos.
The Chinese section of the project runs through Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve and Asian elephant habitats, requiring strict environmental protection measures. The route was optimized in the design stage to avoid protected areas and residential areas.
An Asian elephant early-warning system was deployed along the line so as to help minimalize impact on local elepant population and ensure the safety of the construction work.
In one instance, drones detected a herd approaching, prompting operators to raise flight altitude and slow transport to allow the animals to pass safely.
Smart technologies were also used, including digital monitoring across the line and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robots and robotic dogs for inspections.
“The robot dog is equipped with an AI platform, which can automatically identify equipment status and perform infrared temperature measurement, with data transmitted in real time,” said Yang Yao, a duty officer of China Southern Power Grid Yunnan Power Grid (CSG-YNPG).
Huang Weijie, deputy general manager of the CSG-YNPG, said the project opens a channel for power connectivity and clean energy mutual assistance in the Lancang-Mekong region, setting a benchmark for regional green infrastructure.
PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE BOND
Beyond physical connectivity, the project has strengthened coordination in power dispatch, standards and management, expanded training and knowledge exchange, laying a foundation for long-term cooperation.
The CSG is also promoting cross-border participation in its regional electricity market to support regular clean energy trading, said Zhang Shaohui of the company’s Lancang-Mekong unit.
More than 500 Lao workers who took part in the project attended multiple training sessions, including bilingual safety and technical programs.
A Chinese-Lao bilingual technical dictionary covering 4,900 terms was compiled to support communication among engineers.
“Previously, I knew nothing about the operation and maintenance of high-voltage power grids. Now, I can independently complete the equipment inspection tasks,” said Bounmy Songsavat, a 28-year-old Lao technician trained under the program.
The project also brings tangible livelihood benefits to local communities in Laos, including building a primary school and five bilingual reading rooms, launching the country’s first sign-language audiovisual program, and supporting local industry development and infrastructure improvement.
Since 2022, China and Laos have implemented a power-sharing mechanism, with more than 1.6 billion kWh of two-way electricity exchange recorded by the end of 2025. The new link is expected to further improve Laos’ ability to balance supply during peak and off-peak periods.
Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith said the project will become a key artery in the country’s power sector once operational. He noted that it will help ease domestic transmission constraints and support the development of renewable energy in northern Laos.
“The project will effectively boost the economic and social development of both countries, accelerate the green and low-carbon energy transition, and bring the benefits of modern power development to the peoples of China and Laos,” said Meng, chairman of the CSG.
