Committee meets with President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune via a video conference to enhance friendly exchanges and push for further development of China-Laos relations.
(B) Political Affairs January 5
China notifies downstream Mekong countries that Jinghong Dam will reduce the water discharge rate from 1,904 cubic meters per second to 1,000 cubic meters per second, a decrease of about 47 percent, for 20 days from January 15 to 24, according to Thailand’s National Water Command Center and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
January 9
China introduces new rules to counter unjustified laws and measures that other countries may apply to its companies and citizens as the relationship with the US is worsening, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
January 13
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) sends a congratulatory message to the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) on the opening of its 11th congress. Both sides want to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership cooperation and fully implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and the two countries.
January 15
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) suspended 157 bank accounts with more than 1.5 billion baht and arrested the Chinese illegal gang. The gang has been charged with running an organized crime, importing false information into a computer system, and conspiring to extend loans with interest higher than legally allowed.
January 19
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui presides over a videoconference with Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for International Cooperation U Hau Do Suan and Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen to discuss the repatriation of Rohingya 36 The Chronology
