Laos' Deepening Economic Reliance on China Comes at a Cost to Environment and Sovereignty
• China's influence over Laos is growing as Laos suffers an economic crisis partly due to Chinese-backed projects like dams and railways.
• Chinese investment in Laos has brought infrastructure but also heavy debt burdens, with over half of Laos' debt owed to China.
• Hydropower dams funded by China are negatively impacting river livelihoods and ecosystems along the Mekong River.
• Chinese tourism to Laos has surged since the opening of a new railway, bringing economic benefits but also putting pressure on heritage sites.
• Laos' reliance on China has increased as it continues to provide Laos with economic relief, further increasing its leverage over the smaller nation.