Vietnam–Laos Strategic Connection in the New Context

Opportunities and Challenges

Bibliographic Data

ID13083102
AuthorsKhanh Tran (Thanh Do University), Hoan Quang Truong (0000-0003-4735-4191, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, corresponding author), Hoa Le Phuong (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences)
Year2026
Publication date2026-02-22
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMillennial Asia (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2321-7081 • E-ISSN: 0976-3996
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/09763996261422441
OpenAlexW7131129688
LanguageEN
References cited5

The strategic connection between Vietnam and Laos is characterized by functional cooperation agreements spanning political–ideological, military, economic and cultural–social domains. This partnership aims to foster a new developmental state or a sustainable strategic space for both nations. The foundation of this connection is not solely based on geographical and demographic proximity but is significantly strengthened by the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, as well as practical necessities. Nonetheless, this strategic relationship also encompasses elements of competition and the exertion of Vietnam’s influence over Laos. In the current context, Vietnam and Laos must navigate competitive pressures from external partners, particularly China; seek resources, including domestic private enterprises; prioritize technical infrastructure connectivity and institutional innovation; and leverage advantages from various bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms within the Mekong Subregion to enhance Vietnam–Laos strategic connectivity

Competition (biology · Connection (principal bundle · General partnership · Leverage (statistics · Solidarity · Strategic partnership · Strategic planning · Sustainable development · Cambodian History and Society · Minority Rights and Languages · Southeast Asian Sociopolitical Studies

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