Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith visited Beijing as Special Envoy of President Thongloun Sisoulith, meeting with China’s top party and state leadership in a visit that reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries.
On 21 April, Saleumxay met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, conveying a personal letter from President Thongloun.
As 2026 marks both the 65th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic ties and the Year of Laos-China Friendship, Xi called it a year of significant opportunity for bilateral relations, urging both sides to uphold long-term stability, forward thinking, good neighborliness, and comprehensive cooperation, and to advance the Laos-China community with a shared future toward high standards, high quality, and high levels.
On the same day, Saleumxay met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang pledged China’s support in aligning development strategies, advancing whole-industry-chain cooperation in minerals and electricity, and assisting Laos in economic transformation and industrial growth. Saleumxay expressed Laos’ readiness to expand cooperation in connectivity, energy, and minerals, and to jointly celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Prior to the meeting with Xi and Wang, Saleumxay on 20 April met with Minister Liu Haixing at the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.. Both sides commended the visit as a strong gesture of inter-party strategic communication and committed to deepening cooperation in party building, state governance, and the Laos-China community.
Throughout the visit, Saleumxay reaffirmed Laos’ unwavering support for the one-China principle and its full endorsement of China’s four global initiatives, underscoring Vientiane’s deep commitment to its partnership with Beijing.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-23 12:39:512026-04-23 12:39:51Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing
On 20 April, Vientiane authorities launched a new Bus Rapid transit (BRT) route connecting Morning Market Station (Talat Sao) to Chao Fa Ngum Station in Sikhottabong District, extending the network beyond its original corridor.
The new route runs along Setthathirath Road, which was recently converted from one-way to two-way traffic specifically to accommodate both BRT buses and general vehicles.
The Setthathirath Road launch falls within the ongoing BRT two-month free trial period that began on 10 March, running until mid-May 2026.
During the trial, buses operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Commuters can expect a bus every 6 to 7 minutes during peak hours (6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM), and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times.
The expansion comes as the BRT project, a USD 99.7 million initiative backed by the ADB and European Investment Bank, continues to recover from a troubled start.
Its first trial in November 2025 was suspended after just one month following multiple traffic accidents, forcing a redesign of the lane system before relaunching last month.
Extensions to Wattay International Airport and the Laos-China Railway station are still planned for later this year.
The government notice on suspending Pi Mai Lao celebrations has caused widespread misunderstanding online, with many believing the festival has been cancelled nationwide. In fact, the suspension applies only to units under the Ministry of National Defense.
The announcement, issued on 30 March by the Lao People’s Army Office under the Ministry of National Defense, instructed departments, offices, schools, and units under its authority to suspend Pi Mai Lao celebrations.
Officials said the decision was based on economic pressure, the ongoing war in the Middle East, and recent natural disasters, including hailstorms that damaged homes.
The misunderstanding spread after the notice went viral without full context, leading some social media users to believe it applied to the entire country.
Its release on social media on 1 April also raised doubts, with some questioning whether it was genuine.
One user questioned “factual news or fake news,” showing confusion over whether the news was real or an April Fool’s joke.
Meanwhile, others expressed frustration at the timing and overall situation commented “why it is so chaotic, just enjoy Pi Mai Lao” pointing how people feel stressed over rising living costs, recent storms, and economic pressure, while telling people to calm down and enjoy Pi Mai Lao.
Amid the confusion, criticism also emerged over how the information was shared.
One person said “please edit the headline to match the announcement,” while another added “the news outlets spread the news they want, but the majority of the readers do not understand it.”
These comments criticized unclear headlines and the spread of incomplete information.
Despite the confusion, there has been no official announcement cancelling Pi Mai Lao celebrations for the general public.
The festival is expected to proceed as normal across the country.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-06 10:22:002026-04-23 12:24:00Pi Mai Lao Still On Despite Confusion Over Defense Ministry Notice
Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith visited Beijing as Special Envoy of President Thongloun Sisoulith, meeting with China’s top party and state leadership in a visit that reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries.
On 21 April, Saleumxay met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, conveying a personal letter from President Thongloun.
As 2026 marks both the 65th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic ties and the Year of Laos-China Friendship, Xi called it a year of significant opportunity for bilateral relations, urging both sides to uphold long-term stability, forward thinking, good neighborliness, and comprehensive cooperation, and to advance the Laos-China community with a shared future toward high standards, high quality, and high levels.
On the same day, Saleumxay met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang pledged China’s support in aligning development strategies, advancing whole-industry-chain cooperation in minerals and electricity, and assisting Laos in economic transformation and industrial growth. Saleumxay expressed Laos’ readiness to expand cooperation in connectivity, energy, and minerals, and to jointly celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Prior to the meeting with Xi and Wang, Saleumxay on 20 April met with Minister Liu Haixing at the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.. Both sides commended the visit as a strong gesture of inter-party strategic communication and committed to deepening cooperation in party building, state governance, and the Laos-China community.
Throughout the visit, Saleumxay reaffirmed Laos’ unwavering support for the one-China principle and its full endorsement of China’s four global initiatives, underscoring Vientiane’s deep commitment to its partnership with Beijing.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/22/lao-deputy-prime-minister-saleumxay-meets-xi-jinping-in-beijing/
Vientiane Expands BRT Network with New Setthathirath Road Route
On 20 April, Vientiane authorities launched a new Bus Rapid transit (BRT) route connecting Morning Market Station (Talat Sao) to Chao Fa Ngum Station in Sikhottabong District, extending the network beyond its original corridor.
The new route runs along Setthathirath Road, which was recently converted from one-way to two-way traffic specifically to accommodate both BRT buses and general vehicles.
The Setthathirath Road launch falls within the ongoing BRT two-month free trial period that began on 10 March, running until mid-May 2026.
During the trial, buses operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Commuters can expect a bus every 6 to 7 minutes during peak hours (6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM), and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times.
The expansion comes as the BRT project, a USD 99.7 million initiative backed by the ADB and European Investment Bank, continues to recover from a troubled start.
Its first trial in November 2025 was suspended after just one month following multiple traffic accidents, forcing a redesign of the lane system before relaunching last month.
Extensions to Wattay International Airport and the Laos-China Railway station are still planned for later this year.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/20/vientiane-expands-brt-network-with-new-setthathirath-road-route/
Pi Mai Lao Still On Despite Confusion Over Defense Ministry Notice
The government notice on suspending Pi Mai Lao celebrations has caused widespread misunderstanding online, with many believing the festival has been cancelled nationwide. In fact, the suspension applies only to units under the Ministry of National Defense.
The announcement, issued on 30 March by the Lao People’s Army Office under the Ministry of National Defense, instructed departments, offices, schools, and units under its authority to suspend Pi Mai Lao celebrations.
Officials said the decision was based on economic pressure, the ongoing war in the Middle East, and recent natural disasters, including hailstorms that damaged homes.
The misunderstanding spread after the notice went viral without full context, leading some social media users to believe it applied to the entire country.
Its release on social media on 1 April also raised doubts, with some questioning whether it was genuine.
One user questioned “factual news or fake news,” showing confusion over whether the news was real or an April Fool’s joke.
Meanwhile, others expressed frustration at the timing and overall situation commented “why it is so chaotic, just enjoy Pi Mai Lao” pointing how people feel stressed over rising living costs, recent storms, and economic pressure, while telling people to calm down and enjoy Pi Mai Lao.
Amid the confusion, criticism also emerged over how the information was shared.
One person said “please edit the headline to match the announcement,” while another added “the news outlets spread the news they want, but the majority of the readers do not understand it.”
These comments criticized unclear headlines and the spread of incomplete information.
Despite the confusion, there has been no official announcement cancelling Pi Mai Lao celebrations for the general public.
The festival is expected to proceed as normal across the country.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/01/pi-mai-lao-still-on-despite-confusion-over-defense-ministry-notice/