National flags of China and Laos. Photo: VCG.

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane will visit China from Wednesday to Saturday, marking his first official visit since taking office. He is also the first foreign minister to visit China after this year's two sessions, underscoring the significance both sides place on their bilateral relationship. Chinese experts believed that the visit may include discussions on economic cooperation, joint efforts combating cross-border crime, and further strengthening the China-Laos community with a shared future.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane is paying the visit at the invitation of Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang will hold talks with Thongsavanh Phomvihane to exchange views on implementing the common understandings between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries and enhancing bilateral and multilateral strategic coordination, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on Monday.

The Laotian Times reported on Tuesday that the visit "aims to reinforce the longstanding friendship and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries."

During the visit, Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Wang Yi will discuss implementing agreements reached by their respective top leaders and enhancing strategic cooperation on both bilateral and multilateral levels, according to the Laotian Times. 

Experts highlight that economic collaboration will be one of the major focuses of the visit. Zhou Shixin, director of the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies said, noting that in recent years, China-Laos relations have progressed steadily. 

"At a critical stage of economic transformation, Laos seeks China's support to accelerate its development," Zhou told the Global Times. 

Beyond the China-Laos Railway, both sides are looking to expand connectivity projects and Laos is seeking growth in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and energy transition, said Zhou, noting that Laos hopes for greater Chinese investment to solidify the foundation of the China-Laos community with a shared future.

Since its launch in 2021, the China-Laos Railway, has transported 43 million passengers, including over 740,000 passengers within Laos. It has also moved 4,830 tons of goods. The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism reported that 85 percent of passengers in Laos traveled between Vientiane Capital and Luang Prabang during this period, according to a report from the Laotian Times in December 2024. 

Beyond economic ties, China and Laos are also expected to discuss enhanced cooperation on governance and institutional security. "As socialist nations, both sides hope strengthen exchanges on governance, particularly in safeguarding political and social system, which remains a key pillar of their cooperation mechanism," said Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Combating telecom fraud may be another pressing priority. Following crackdowns in eastern Myanmar, particularly in Myawaddy, criminal networks are shifting toward Laos, with some groups relocating to border areas such as the Golden Triangle. Strengthening coordination with Laos is essential to effectively combat transnational crime, said Xu. 

China's cooperation with Laos and other Southeast Asian countries, whether in combating cross-border crime or advancing economic collaboration, will further strengthen bilateral ties and inject new momentum into regional cooperation and stability, said Zhou.