TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIGlobal
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
No Result
View All Result
TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean

China is trying its best to wrest Laos from Vietnam, but Vietnam is too clever an opponent

Abhyoday Sisodia by Abhyoday Sisodia
May 13, 2021
in Indo-Pacific
China, Laos, Vietnam, Chinese Communist Party,
Share on FacebookShare on X

Vietnam is one of the few countries which share a land border with China and are in a continuous tug-of-war with it when it comes to maintenance of the status quo in the neighbourhood. Just like Cambodia, the Chinese Communist Party wants to make Laos its protectorate state and wrest it from Vietnam making Hanoi unable to access the rest of Peninsular South-East Asia and the land route to South Asia. Thus, Vietnam has started its efforts to make sure Laos does not go the Cambodia way.

In March, Hanoi announced it had gifted a new parliament building worth US$111 million to Laos. The move reflects Hanoi’s unease over Beijing’s growing influence over its closest ally. China has overtaken Vietnam as the largest investor and lender in Laos. Keeping Laos by Vietnam’s side is a top foreign policy priority for Hanoi. Now the question boils down to what the differential of interest between Beijing and Hanoi is, vis a vis, Laos.

Also Read

Russia’s Putin and North Korea’s Kim to Attend China Military Parade: Display of Power?

Nuclear Threat to the US? Secret Missile ICBM Base Discovered in North Korea that can hit to American Mainland- Reports 

China’s “FK-3000” Anti-Drone System Joins Global Arms Race with NATO and Russia

The connection between the two regimes is special: socialism training in Vietnam is a must for Laotian politicians who aspire to be national leaders. Laos is one of the two countries that the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) calls anh em (brothers), with the other being Cuba. The Vietnamese ambassador to Laos is among the few career diplomats to hold the rank of vice minister of foreign affairs. The relationship between the two countries has been historically strong.

China, Laos, Vietnam, Chinese Communist Party,
[PC:VietnamEconomics]
Laos is also essential for Hanoi’s geopolitical survival. Just China, Cambodia, and Laos share land borders with Vietnam. Given Hanoi’s complicated past and ongoing mistrust of Beijing’s motives, creating a unified “Indochina” political bloc to protect against northern encroachment has always been a top priority in its strategic planning. North Vietnam had to fight wars on both sides of the country and was on the verge of complete collapse the last time they failed, in the late 1970s. Furthermore, because China’s support for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government has firmly encircled Cambodia, Vietnam cannot afford to lose Laos.

While the disagreements are on the rise between Laos and Vietnam, given the increasing influence of the Chinese Communist Party, Laos also knows how important Vietnam for it is. Laos also has a strategic interest in maintaining a warm relationship with Vietnam. Being landlocked, Vietnam provides the best route for Laos to access the sea for trade. Infrastructure projects to connect Laos with Vietnam’s key economic centres, including a proposed railway from Vientiane to the central Vietnamese deep-water port of Vung Ang, are being considered. Chinese infrastructure financing has also left Laos with a heavy burden of debt and vulnerable to Beijing’s manipulation. Vietnam offers a counterweight to this trend. The best strategy for Laos is to walk the line between its two bigger neighbours and benefit from both.

Read More: China’s fishing boat terror in South China Sea comes to a halt as Vietnam responds in kind

The relationship between Vietnam and Laos is based on a strong political relationship that has lasted more than 40 years, as well as deep economic and cultural links. Over the years, Vietnamese businesses have prospered in Laos, especially in the southern provinces of Savannakhet and Attapeu. Daily economic activities between the two countries are virtually unrestricted, and many Vietnamese have taken advantage of the opportunity to immigrate to Laos, where they work in a variety of jobs ranging from small shop owners to construction workers. These face-to-face encounters have strengthened links between Vietnam and Laos, and it will be some time before China develops similar ties.

Going ahead Vietnam will make sure to keep its flock together. It will up its engagement with Laos to an extent that can overshadow the Chinese engagement in the country. Vietnam is likely to aim to reinforce its relationship with Laos, particularly through deepening economic cooperation. Road, port and railway projects that connect Laos with Vietnam will be a priority.

Tags: ChinaChinese communist partyLaosVietnam
ShareTweetSend
Abhyoday Sisodia

Abhyoday Sisodia

M.A. in East Asian Studies, Department of East Asian Studies, the University of Delhi, India. Deep interest in geopolitics, foreign policy and world affairs.

Also Read

India to have its own "Iron Dome": PM Modi Launches Mission "Sudarshan Chakra"

India to have its own “Iron Dome”: PM Modi Launches Mission “Sudarshan Chakra” in response to Missile and Nuclear Threats from Neighboring countries 

August 15, 2025
Japan Eyes Turkish and Israeli Drones to Counter China’s Military Moves in Indo-Pacific

Japan Eyes Turkish and Israeli Drones to Counter China’s Military Moves in Indo-Pacific

August 14, 2025
North Korea says 11-day U.S.-South Korea Military exercise is "A Direct Provocation," Warns of Strong Countermeasures Amid Signs of Easing Tensions with South Korea. 

North Korea says 11-day U.S.-South Korea Military exercise is “A Direct Provocation,” Warns of Strong Countermeasures Amid Signs of Easing Tensions with South Korea 

August 11, 2025
Putin To Visit India: Will This be BRICS Joint Response Against Trump Tariff War?

Putin To Visit India: Will This be BRICS Joint Response Against Trump’s Tariff War?

August 7, 2025
China’s Next Five-Year Plan and What It Means for the Changing World Order?

China’s Next Five-Year Plan and What It Means for the Changing World Order?

July 31, 2025
Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Unconditional Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes

NOT TRUMP! Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Unconditional Ceasefire Hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister After Deadly Border Clashes 

July 28, 2025
Youtube Twitter Facebook
TFIGlobalTFIGlobal
Right Arm. Round the World. FAST.
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • TFIPOST – English
  • TFIPOST हिन्दी
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy.