Politics

Laos, China Launch Digital Payment Link For Cross-Border Transactions

Laos and China have launched a new digital payment link that allows Chinese visitors to pay Lao businesses using China’s digital yuan, without needing to exchange cash into Lao kip. The system connects China’s digital yuan, known as e-CNY, with Laos’ domestic QR payment network. A Chinese visitor can now...

Timor-Leste Moves to Join Cluster Munition Ban at Vientiane Conference

Timor-Leste has taken a formal step toward joining the Convention on Cluster Munitions, signing...

Laos Warns of Lasting Toll at Vientiane Meeting as Cluster Munition Use Rises Worldwide

Laos is hosting the Convention on Cluster Munitions’ Third Review Conference 16 years after...

Vientiane Court Hands Life Sentences to Former Bank Employees in Major Corruption Cases

A court in Vientiane gave life sentences to several former bank employees for corruption....

Laos, Kazakhstan Seek New Railway Links to Expand Trade

Laos and Kazakhstan are exploring new railway and logistics links that could open a...

Obama Seeks to Curb China’s Expanding Clout, Move Beyond Past In Laos

When President Obama becomes the first American president to visit communist Laos this week, he will arrive in what is the most heavily bombed...

Obama Becomes First Sitting President to Visit Laos

VIENTIANE, Laos — This capital city, with its wide, tree-lined French colonial boulevards and old-fashioned tuk-tuk three-wheeled taxis, takes its turn in the international spotlight...

Tiny Laos Readies For A Visit From Obama — And A Turn Under The Global Spotlight

The shops here in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, hum along without air conditioning, and there are as many tuk-tuks as taxis to take...

Tiny Laos Gets a Rare Moment in the Sun

VIENTIANE, Laos — Laos hosts U.S. President Barack Obama and leaders from China and Russia next week. How this tiny, landlocked country handles the annual...

POTUS Laos Visit Underlines Diplomatic Success of Rebalance

On the morning of 20 August, 1973, American-trained officers of the Royal Lao Air Force returned from exile to launch a coup attempt, taking...

Obama’s Visit to Laos is About Confronting China

The United States is attempting to highlight the historical nature of an upcoming visit to the Southeast Asian state of Laos by US President...