In a bid to strengthen regional ties and address pressing challenges, the 10th Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Anning City, Yunnan Province, China, on August 15. The event brought together H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
This meeting marks a significant milestone in the MLC framework, which was initiated by Thailand in 2012 with China as a co-driver. The framework comprises six member countries – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam, and China – with the objective of promoting connectivity and sustainable development within the Mekong subregion.
The meeting's focus on "Golden Decade: Staying Committed to Building a Better Community Through Solidarity" highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common challenges. The MLC framework provides a platform for member countries to collaborate on issues such as infrastructure development, water resources management, agriculture, and combating transnational crime.
Thailand proposed that MLC member countries work together to resolve the issue of river contamination by utilizing existing mechanisms, including the LMC Water Resources Cooperation Center (LMC Water Center) and the Lancang–Mekong Environmental Cooperation Center (LMEC). This approach aims to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable subregional development.
The MLC framework has seen progress in recent years, with cooperation on issues such as cracking down on online scams along border areas, exchanging information to address floods and droughts in the Mekong River, and jointly addressing water quality issues. Thailand's leadership in promoting joint efforts to address urgent shared challenges of the subregion is a testament to the framework's effectiveness.
As Thailand serves as MLC Co-Chair with China for the 2024–2025 term, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to host the 5th MLC Leaders' Meeting later this year in Bangkok. This event will provide an opportunity for member countries to strengthen their cooperation and address emerging challenges.
The Mekong subregion faces numerous challenges, including infrastructure development and connectivity, water resources management, agriculture, economy and trade and investment, combating transnational crime, human resources development, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. A strong regional cooperation framework like the MLC is essential in addressing these challenges and promoting sustainable development within the region.
In conclusion, the 10th Mekong–Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting marks an important step towards strengthening regional ties and addressing pressing challenges in the Mekong subregion. As member countries continue to cooperate on key issues, it remains to be seen whether the MLC framework can effectively address the complex challenges facing the region.
Expert Insights:
"The MLC framework is a vital component of regional cooperation in the Mekong subregion. Its ability to foster inclusive and sustainable development will be crucial in addressing emerging challenges." – Dr. Thanatchai Santiwongse, Associate Professor at Thammasat University
"Thailand's leadership in promoting joint efforts to address urgent shared challenges is a testament to the framework's effectiveness. However, member countries must continue to work together to ensure the MLC framework remains relevant and effective." – Ambassador Chankiri Phiphitpon, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
"The MLC framework has seen progress in recent years, but it is essential that member countries continue to prioritize cooperation on key issues. The future of regional development in the Mekong subregion depends on the strength of this cooperation." – Dr. Korn Srimuang, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Security and International Studies
Recent Developments:
In June 2025, Thailand and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation on water resources management in the Mekong River.
In April 2025, Cambodia and Lao PDR signed an agreement to enhance cooperation on infrastructure development and connectivity in the Mekong subregion.
Future Impact:
In the short term (next six months), it is expected that the MLC framework will continue to play a crucial role in addressing emerging challenges in the Mekong subregion. The meeting's focus on "Golden Decade" highlights the importance of regional cooperation in building a better community through solidarity.
In the long term (5–10 years), the future of regional development in the Mekong subregion will depend on the strength of this cooperation. Member countries must continue to work together to ensure that the MLC framework remains relevant and effective in addressing emerging challenges.