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...

ASEAN Economic Ministers Say No to Retaliation in Response to US Tariffs

Ministries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed "deep concern" over unilateral tariffs introduced by the United States.  The statement, adopted during their...

First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Marks 31st Anniversary

The First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge marks its 31st anniversary on 8 April.  Opened in 1994, it was the first major land link between Laos and...

Vietnam Seeks US Tariff Delay as Economic Growth Slows in First Quarter

By Lam NGUYEN/AFP - Vietnam has asked for a last-minute delay to colossal tariffs imposed by Washington as government figures showed on 6 April...

Bus-Rapid-Transit Road Rushing to be Completed Before Lao New Year

Vientiane is committed to completing the construction of the Setthathirath Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) road just before the Lao New Year, according to Bounyavat...

Regional Leaders Pay Tribute to Former Lao President Khamtai Siphandone

Following the passing of former Lao President General Khamtai Siphandone on 2 April, leaders from neighboring countries have extended heartfelt condolences, honoring his legacy...

South Korea Court Upholds President Yoon’s Impeachment, Strips Him of Office

By Hieun Shin and Claire Lee/AFP - South Korea's Constitutional Court on 4 April upheld President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his disastrous martial...