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Laos

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Laos. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Vientiane

Head of State

President Thongloun Sisoulith

Head of Government

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

Japan

More Japanese favour having an empress as Princess Aiko’s public appeal rises

Japan’s conservative politicians are against changing the centuries-old tradition of a male heir for the throne.

20 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM

US-China relations

Rubio swaps hawk for diplomat in year-end pivot on China

20 Dec 2025 - 6:53AMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

China’s youth-unemployment rate, Laos joins durian war: SCMP daily highlights

18 Dec 2025 - 9:15PM

China trade

Battle for China’s durian market gets even juicier as Laos enters the fray

Laos could present a real challenge to other players in China’s vast durian market due to its low costs and logistical advantages.

18 Dec 2025 - 9:00AMvideocam

A local vendor sells durians at a stall near Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Several Southeast Asian nations including Cambodia export the fruit to China, which is the world’s largest buyer by far. Photo: AP

Donald Trump

Trump expands US travel ban and restrictions to include another 20 countries

The clampdown affects people seeking to travel to the US as visitors as well as those hoping to emigrate there.

17 Dec 2025 - 4:53PM

Malaysia

Trump’s tariffs on Southeast Asia put US Christmas gifts at risk

From Hot Wheels to headphones, new levies are squeezing the supply of Americans’ festive favourites.

15 Dec 2025 - 8:02AM

Japan

Japan’s English skills crash to record low, behind Laos and Vietnam

Outdated teaching methods and the rise of language translation apps have made most Japanese less inclined to learn English, educators say.

12 Dec 2025 - 8:00AMvideocam

Japanese schoolchildren cross a street in Tokyo. English proficiency is dropping in Japan, a fact that some critics are attributing to outdated teaching methods. Photo: AFP

China-Latin America relations

China pledges aid to Latin America, Caribbean with no ‘political conditions’

Third strategy paper of its kind released as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in a region Washington actively courts.

11 Dec 2025 - 12:07AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

US senators warn of China-cartel links forming a global ‘Silk Road of crime’

At a Senate hearing, officials described Chinese money brokers as key to laundering cartel funds and fuelling the illicit fentanyl trade.

10 Dec 2025 - 7:28AMvideocam

Thailand

‘Everyone gets a cut’: why Southeast Asia’s scam industry refuses to die

Authorities are seizing assets and raiding compounds, but analysts warn the clumsy crackdown is merely scattering syndicates to new hideouts.

8 Dec 2025 - 9:51AMvideocam

A woman counts US dollars and Japanese yen banknotes in Phnom Penh. Scam money’s reach extends far beyond the Mekong. Photo: AFP

China trade

Explainer | As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?

Across numerous sectors, China’s firms are setting up shop worldwide – and gaining ground on their well-entrenched competitors.

11 Dec 2025 - 11:21AMvideocam

Vehicles are seen loaded on a cargo ship for export at Wuhu Port, Anhui province. Photo: Getty Images

United States

US pauses all immigration applications from 19 countries

The pause applies to people from nations that were already subjected to a partial travel ban in June.

3 Dec 2025 - 10:16AM

Alibaba

Alibaba’s Cainiao expands service in Africa as demand for Chinese goods surges

The logistics arm of Alibaba is rolling out its small-parcel service in more parts of Africa to tap growing demand for made-in-China goods.

24 Nov 2025 - 8:50PM

Thailand

‘Half of me has died’: toxic mines threaten Southeast Asia’s rivers

More than 2,400 mines – many of which are operated by Chinese companies – are draining waste into river waters, researchers say.

24 Nov 2025 - 5:13PM

Tip Kamlue works in her fields on the banks of the Kok River, where she irrigates her crops with groundwater instead of the Kok’s water. Photo: Reuters

Venezuela

US aviation agency warns airlines flying over Venezuela of potential hazards

There has been a huge US military build-up in the region recently, including its largest aircraft carrier, other warships and F-35 aircraft.

22 Nov 2025 - 11:52AM

A demonstrator holds a “No War With Venezuela” sign while protesting outside the White House in Washington, on November 15. Photo: AP

Asean

Why Asean’s AI ambition may lead to widening economic and tech divide

While countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are ahead in the AI race, others like Cambodia and Laos risk being left behind, analysts say.

21 Nov 2025 - 5:31PM

US-China relations

China accuses US of undermining ties with Greece in envoy’s Piraeus port remarks

Washington’s ambassador under fire after urging Athens to sell the ancient port operated by Chinese shipping giant Cosco.

20 Nov 2025 - 4:08PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Brazil approves China’s naval visit while US research ship plans call nearby

Clearance ends months of internal debate as both powers expand naval activity in South America.

19 Nov 2025 - 6:04AM

The Ark Silk Road operates under China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy. Photo: handout

Singapore

Singapore seizes US$867,000 worth of rhinoceros horns, largest-ever haul

The horns, along with other animal parts, were detected in cargo labelled ‘furniture fittings’ and originating from South Africa.

18 Nov 2025 - 4:01PM

US-Asean relations

What US anti-scam ‘strike force’ means for Southeast Asia’s cybercrime fight

Analysts say the US initiative can serve as a coordination blueprint to push back against transnational criminal enterprises.

17 Nov 2025 - 5:42PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

US launches ‘Southern Spear’, deploying robotic fleet to target cartels

Announcement comes amid a growing US military build-up in the Southern Caribbean of a size not seen in the region for decades.

14 Nov 2025 - 2:43PM

Am alleged drug boat before it was destroyed in a US strike in the eastern Pacific this week. Photo: US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s X account via AFP

Cryptocurrency

US, Chinese authorities ramp up actions against syndicates running crypto scams

Syndicates either trick or coerce targeted victims to invest in bogus schemes and transfer funds via bitcoin, ether or stablecoins.

14 Nov 2025 - 1:14AMvideocam

Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin play a major role in sophisticated criminal enterprises that involve complex money-laundering networks. Photo: Shutterstock

China-EU relations

Xi vows to boost imports from Spain and deepen ties in talks with King Felipe

Xi also calls for joint efforts in markets like Latin America, while Felipe says Madrid wants to cooperate on trade, tech and industry.

12 Nov 2025 - 5:00PM

Food and Drinks

‘Empty and numb’: Laos methanol poisoning survivor mourns friend a year on

No one has been held accountable after six tourists died from drinking tainted shots at the Nana Backpackers Hostel last November.

13 Nov 2025 - 8:00AMvideocam

Asean

Opinion | East Timor’s membership marks a new chapter for Asean

Dili can bolster Asean’s diplomatic outreach and action on shared concerns, while other members can lend a hand in East Timor’s development.

12 Nov 2025 - 9:30AMvideocam

Britain

Chinese ‘super villain’ jailed in UK for US$6.4 billion bitcoin fraud

Qian Zhimin and her assistant Seng Hok Ling are jailed after the largest bitcoin seizure ever by British police.

15 Nov 2025 - 8:05AMvideocam

Qian Zhimin was sentenced on charges of money laundering and possessing and transferring criminal property after pleading guilty in September. Photo: Metropolitan Police via Reuters

Fentanyl and other opioids

China tightens controls on fentanyl precursors bound for US, Canada and Mexico

Effective immediately, Beijing requires a permit for exporting 13 chemicals, including those used to make the deadly synthetic opioid.

11 Nov 2025 - 4:31PMvideocam

Thailand

China-wanted gambling kingpin to be extradited by Thailand

Thai court upheld order for She Zhijiang to stand trial in China for illegal casino charges; the US Treasury sanctioned his Shwe Kokko firms.

13 Nov 2025 - 6:00PMvideocam

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Laos

More Japanese favour having an empress as Princess Aiko’s public appeal rises

Japan’s conservative politicians are against changing the centuries-old tradition of a male heir for the throne.

Rubio swaps hawk for diplomat in year-end pivot on China

China’s youth-unemployment rate, Laos joins durian war: SCMP daily highlights

Battle for China’s durian market gets even juicier as Laos enters the fray

Laos could present a real challenge to other players in China’s vast durian market due to its low costs and logistical advantages.

Trump expands US travel ban and restrictions to include another 20 countries

The clampdown affects people seeking to travel to the US as visitors as well as those hoping to emigrate there.

Trump’s tariffs on Southeast Asia put US Christmas gifts at risk

From Hot Wheels to headphones, new levies are squeezing the supply of Americans’ festive favourites.

Japan’s English skills crash to record low, behind Laos and Vietnam

Outdated teaching methods and the rise of language translation apps have made most Japanese less inclined to learn English, educators say.

China pledges aid to Latin America, Caribbean with no ‘political conditions’

Third strategy paper of its kind released as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in a region Washington actively courts.

US senators warn of China-cartel links forming a global ‘Silk Road of crime’

At a Senate hearing, officials described Chinese money brokers as key to laundering cartel funds and fuelling the illicit fentanyl trade.

‘Everyone gets a cut’: why Southeast Asia’s scam industry refuses to die

Authorities are seizing assets and raiding compounds, but analysts warn the clumsy crackdown is merely scattering syndicates to new hideouts.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?

Across numerous sectors, China’s firms are setting up shop worldwide – and gaining ground on their well-entrenched competitors.

US pauses all immigration applications from 19 countries

The pause applies to people from nations that were already subjected to a partial travel ban in June.

Alibaba’s Cainiao expands service in Africa as demand for Chinese goods surges

The logistics arm of Alibaba is rolling out its small-parcel service in more parts of Africa to tap growing demand for made-in-China goods.

‘Half of me has died’: toxic mines threaten Southeast Asia’s rivers

More than 2,400 mines – many of which are operated by Chinese companies – are draining waste into river waters, researchers say.

US aviation agency warns airlines flying over Venezuela of potential hazards

There has been a huge US military build-up in the region recently, including its largest aircraft carrier, other warships and F-35 aircraft.

Why Asean’s AI ambition may lead to widening economic and tech divide

While countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are ahead in the AI race, others like Cambodia and Laos risk being left behind, analysts say.

China accuses US of undermining ties with Greece in envoy’s Piraeus port remarks

Washington’s ambassador under fire after urging Athens to sell the ancient port operated by Chinese shipping giant Cosco.

Brazil approves China’s naval visit while US research ship plans call nearby

Clearance ends months of internal debate as both powers expand naval activity in South America.

Singapore seizes US$867,000 worth of rhinoceros horns, largest-ever haul

The horns, along with other animal parts, were detected in cargo labelled ‘furniture fittings’ and originating from South Africa.

What US anti-scam ‘strike force’ means for Southeast Asia’s cybercrime fight

Analysts say the US initiative can serve as a coordination blueprint to push back against transnational criminal enterprises.

US launches ‘Southern Spear’, deploying robotic fleet to target cartels

Announcement comes amid a growing US military build-up in the Southern Caribbean of a size not seen in the region for decades.

US, Chinese authorities ramp up actions against syndicates running crypto scams

Syndicates either trick or coerce targeted victims to invest in bogus schemes and transfer funds via bitcoin, ether or stablecoins.

Xi vows to boost imports from Spain and deepen ties in talks with King Felipe

Xi also calls for joint efforts in markets like Latin America, while Felipe says Madrid wants to cooperate on trade, tech and industry.

‘Empty and numb’: Laos methanol poisoning survivor mourns friend a year on

No one has been held accountable after six tourists died from drinking tainted shots at the Nana Backpackers Hostel last November.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | East Timor’s membership marks a new chapter for Asean

Dili can bolster Asean’s diplomatic outreach and action on shared concerns, while other members can lend a hand in East Timor’s development.

Chinese ‘super villain’ jailed in UK for US$6.4 billion bitcoin fraud

Qian Zhimin and her assistant Seng Hok Ling are jailed after the largest bitcoin seizure ever by British police.

China tightens controls on fentanyl precursors bound for US, Canada and Mexico

Effective immediately, Beijing requires a permit for exporting 13 chemicals, including those used to make the deadly synthetic opioid.

China-wanted gambling kingpin to be extradited by Thailand

Thai court upheld order for She Zhijiang to stand trial in China for illegal casino charges; the US Treasury sanctioned his Shwe Kokko firms.

Explainer | As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?

Opinion | East Timor’s membership marks a new chapter for Asean