ASEAN-CHINA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: LAOS-CHINA RAILWAY (LCR)

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the strategic relationship between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) in pursuing sustainable infrastructure and economic development, and how the two sides have cooperated and expanded mutual assistance. This paper focuses on the case study of the Laos-China Railway (LCR) which connects the capital city of Lao Vientiane with the provincial capital of China Kunming. In Here we will also discuss the potential gained by both parties, such as; what is the impact of implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Program on infrastructure development in ASEAN especially in Laos and also how China will benefit economically from implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Program in ASEAN particularly in Laos, which is one of the major programs of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that was completed and put into operation in 2021. In addition, we will also explore the potential risks that can arise from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) program for Laos-China Railway (LCR) project.