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As a low-income country, Laos has long been deeply imprinted in people's minds as backward and poor. But in the 70s of the last century, after the United States withdrew from the Vietnam War, Laos really ushered in the opportunity for development. The United States had carried out heavy bombing of Laos during the Vietnam War, which had caused serious obstacles to the development of Laos.
However, in recent years, Laos has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development. This is mainly due to China's strong support and investment. China and Laos have cooperated in the construction of transportation facilities, power stations, mining investment, and the transfer of labor-intensive industries. Among them, the most representative is the commencement and opening of the China-Laos Railway. After nearly five years of construction, the electrified railway was officially opened to traffic at the end of 2021. Today, the annual passenger throughput of the China-Laos Railway has exceeded 20 million. Chinese investment has contributed to the continued growth of the Lao economy, especially the GDP per capita of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has exceeded US$8,000, which is comparable to China's medium-sized cities.
As China's partner in Southeast Asia, Laos has not only received economic support, but also played an important role in regional and international affairs. Laos, which holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN, has recently made efforts to ease tensions in Myanmar. Laos sent its ambassador to the United Nations, Senior Diplomat Alaungai Kidikhon, Executive Minister of the Lao Prime Minister's Office, as its special representative for Myanmar, to meet with Myanmar's military leaders and the Shadow ** Foreign Minister. Through the mediation of Laos and the coordination of ASEAN, Myanmar** sent non-political representatives to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which is an important step in Myanmar's positive dialogue. It is precisely because of China's active mediation on the Myanmar issue that relations between Myanmar and ASEAN countries have begun to ease.
Compared to Laos, Myanmar is more complex. Myanmar has a large population, abundant resources, and greater economic size and market potential, but it has long been plagued by ethnic conflicts and political instability. To a certain extent, these problems have limited Myanmar's development potential and damaged Myanmar's national image.
In the process of political reforms that began in 2011, Myanmar gradually opened up its economic system and attracted some foreign investment. Especially in the energy and manufacturing sectors, there is a continuous influx of foreign investment. However, the Rohingya crisis in 2017 and the military coup in 2021 had a huge impact on Myanmar's international image and economic stability. In particular, the military coup d'état by the Myanmar military in 2021 has led to tensions between Myanmar and ASEAN. The situation is further complicated by ASEAN's attempts to mediate the political crisis in Myanmar through a "five-point consensus", but the Myanmar military has not fully followed this consensus.
China has played an active role in Myanmar's plight and has received a response from ASEAN countries. China is an important cooperative partner of Myanmar and has actively participated in Myanmar's economic construction and peace process for many years. China has played an important role in promoting dialogue and negotiation in Myanmar and facilitating communication between all parties.
China's support for Laos has also won China's prestige and support in ASEAN. Laos, which is closer to Myanmar in ASEAN, is in a particular position to deal with Myanmar issues. This year, Laos holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN, actively working to de-escalate the situation in Myanmar, and has sent a special envoy to engage and engage in dialogue with the Myanmar military and the Shadow**. At the same time, China has also actively conducted good offices and mediation in the situation in Myanmar, creating conditions for dialogue and settlement in Myanmar. China's efforts have been appreciated and supported by ASEAN countries.
In general, China and Southeast Asian countries have complementary and common interests, and strengthening cooperation is an inevitable choice. China's support and mediation in countries such as Laos and Myanmar demonstrate China's active role in regional affairs and have been recognized by ASEAN countries.
Unlike the United States, China's cooperation in the ASEAN region aims to achieve mutual benefit rather than control of the region's economic lifeline. Through investment and cooperation, China has helped Laos and other countries develop infrastructure, economy, industry and other fields, and improve their economic level and voice. This has not only had a positive impact on Southeast Asian countries, but also enhanced opportunities for peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
To sum up, China's active mediation and strong support on the Laos and Myanmar issues have won the appreciation and response of ASEAN countries. China's cooperation and development in Southeast Asia are mutually beneficial and win-win results, and have effectively promoted regional stability and prosperity. China will continue to promote East Asian cooperation and strengthen cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to jointly create a better future for the region.
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