China and the five Mekong countries — Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam — are strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework, established in 2016. This effort aligns with China’s broader vision of building “a community with a shared future for mankind,” fostering trust and tangible cooperation across Southeast Asia.
Infrastructure, Logistics, and Digital Connectivity: Core to Regional Integration
Infrastructure connectivity remains a key pillar. The China-Laos Railway has emerged as a game-changer in regional logistics, enabling seamless container transport from Southeast Asia to inland China via the automated Wangjiaying West Railway Station in Kunming.
Meanwhile, Wanzhou District in Chongqing has become a logistics hub linking central and western China to the Mekong region. In 2024 alone, export goods transported through this hub reached 146 million yuan (approx. THB 680 million), a significant increase over the previous year.
Private Sector Driving Green Economic Collaboration
Chinese enterprises such as Yuntianhua Group have launched door-to-door rail services from China to Thailand for fertilizer delivery, enhancing supply chain efficiency for Thai farmers. The China-Laos railway now accommodates over 3,000 product categories and connects to the China-Europe freight railway network, opening up broader trade corridors.
Trade and Innovation See Rapid Growth
In 2024, trade between China and Mekong countries totaled USD 437 billion, up 125% from the early stages of the LMC mechanism. This growth is driven by physical infrastructure and regulatory coordination.
Technological innovation is also flourishing. Chinese EV companies, including BYD and GAC, are investing in Thailand’s electric vehicle industry. Additionally, the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center in Vientiane highlights ongoing digital collaboration between China and ASEAN.
Strengthening People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges
Cross-border tourism and sister city partnerships are fostering deeper cultural ties. The StarExpress train, launched in 2024, connects Kunming to Vientiane via Luang Prabang, offering scenic and efficient travel across borders.
The sister city relationship between Guangzhou and Chiang Mai reflects a broader trend: over 160 city-pair partnerships now exist between China and Mekong countries, illustrating the shared aspirations and mutual prosperity underpinning the LMC framework.
