China-Laos military relations deepen as Chinese increase economic, infrastructure investments
China and Laos announced closer military ties on July 8, a development that coincides with China’s growing investment in infrastructure and economic influence.
The Laotian defense minister met with Xu Qiliang, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other Chinese military officials Wednesday in Beijing to affirm increased cooperation between the two nations.
The warming military ties are the latest move linking Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Beijing. China’s so-called belt-and-road infrastructure plan, which would link China and Laos by railway, is a key to Laos’ socio-economic development.
