Laos

Thailand, China, and Vietnam all compete for influence in Laos, with Thailand ranking as the most important overall given its position as a source of cultural and economic influence: the two countries’ languages are closely related, and Thailand is Laos’ largest trading partner. Vietnam is the leading defence partner for Laos, a reflection of the two countries’ high-level political linkages, while China is the most important diplomatic partner. A small country, Laos is nonetheless an important partner for Vietnam and Cambodia given the three countries’ close historical and leadership ties.