China and Laos have vowed to strengthen military ties between the two countries after Laotian President Choummaly Saygnasone met with Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), on Tuesday.

Choummaly said Laos and China have enjoyed productive cooperation in various fields over the past years, reports China Military Online. He added that the two militaries of Laos and China are good comrades and good partners, and Laos will consistently stand side by side with China amid the ever-changing international and regional situation.

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Choummaly also expressed his hope that the two countries will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all sectors.

Xu  said that China supports Laos staying socialist; consolidating its Party's ruling status, and safeguarding its political stability and sustainable economic and social development, added.

Xu also met with Laotian defense minister Sengnuan Saiyalath on Monday, reports China Military Online. The two exchanged in-depth views on the relations between China and Laos. Guan Huabing, Chinese ambassador to Laos, and Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), also attended the meetings.

Bilateral trade between Laos and China has doubled in the past two years to approximately $3 billion, reports ASEAN Briefing. Laos is one of southeast Asia's most under-developed nations, and has among the lowest average income. The country shares a strategic border with China, and is culturally close to Southwest China.

ASEAN Briefing adds that with improving road and rail infrastructure, the country is now attracting some investment from Chinese businesses looking to reduce manufacturing costs and re-export back to China.

China is also funding hydroelectric power programs in Laos. The Chinese businesses that have invested are generally either large state-owned companies that are involved in infrastructure projects, or small firms that establish trading and light manufacturing businesses, mostly for export to Yunnan Province.  

TagsLaos, China Vow to Strengthen Military Ties, Laos, Choummaly Saygnasone, Xu Qiliang, China's Central Military Commission, Sengnuan Saiyalath, Chinese People's Liberation Army