A Decade of Cooperation: China's Commitment to Regional Stability and Growth
In a significant development, the 10th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Anning City, Yunnan Province, China, from August 14-15, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, attended the meeting, which aimed to reaffirm solidarity and partnership among the six countries of the region.
The MLC has yielded productive results in promoting regional economic integration, fostering economic growth and social advancement, and contributing significantly to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Foreign Ministers commended China's adherence to good-neighborliness and friendship, which has played an important role in promoting cooperation in the sub-region.
Historical Background: A Decade of Cooperation
The MLC was established in 2010 to promote economic and social development among the six countries of the Mekong River Basin (China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar). The cooperation has been built on several key pillars:
Economic development
Social advancement
Regional integration
Peace, stability, and sustainable development
Key Stakeholders: Understanding Motivations
Several countries have demonstrated a strong commitment to regional stability and growth through the MLC. Some of the key stakeholders include:
China: China has been actively engaged in promoting regional cooperation and has provided significant financial support to the MLC Special Fund.
Cambodia: Cambodia has benefited from the economic development and social advancement programs implemented under the MLC, and has reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and peace.
Laos: Laos has also benefited from the economic development and social advancement programs and has expressed its commitment to maintaining good relations with China.
Recent Developments: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The meeting between His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn and Foreign Ministers of the Mekong-Lancang countries demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Some notable developments include:
China-Cambodia Relations: The two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening and deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation and promoting the Diamond Cooperation.
Vietnam-Cambodia Relations: Cambodia has welcomed the visit of H.E. U Khin Yi, Chair of the USDP party, and both Foreign Ministers reiterated their commitment to promoting bilateral ties and cooperation.
Future Impact: Predicting Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes
The 10th MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has set a strong foundation for regional stability and growth. Some potential outcomes include:
Short-term (6 months):
Strengthening economic development and social advancement programs
Enhancing regional integration and cooperation on trade, investment, tourism, and green development
Promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region
Long-term (5-10 years):
Building interconnected and competitive economies through trade, investments, and tourism
Enhancing cooperation on water resource management to expand clean water access and strengthen climate resilience