Two Chinese dead, one wounded in bomb attack in Laos
Little is known yet about the attack, but one of the people involved worked in the mining industry. Relations between Beijing and Vientiane are based on natural resource development and shared ideological outlook since both are ruled by a one-party Communist regime. This year, the US president is expected in the country.
Vientiane (AsiaNews) – A suspected bombing attack killed two Chinese nations and wounded a third one in a remote province of Laos.
The attack took place around 8 am on Sunday in the remote mountainous province of Xaysomboun, the Xinhua news agency reports. One of the victims was employed by a Chinese mining company.
Chinese diplomats have visited the survivor, identified by the surname Zhou, and have requested a swift investigation into the incident.
China is a major investor in Laos’ natural resource sector, especially minerals, and shares its one-party form of government.
A special Chinese presidential envoy, Song Tao, is due to visit the country this week for talks with Laotian leaders.
Last week, the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary (Communist) Party chose Vice President Bounnhang Vorachith for the post of party general secretary in lieu of Choummaly Sayasone, 79, who stepped down after ten years in office. Vorachith, 78, is expected to continue his predecessors’ repressive policies.
The Communists have ruled the country with an iron fist since 1975 when it overthrew the monarchy "in the name of the people".
Almost 700 members took part in the party congress in Vientiane to endorse the new central committee and 11-person politburo.
This year, Laos will chair the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This summer, when the organisation meets in Laos, it is expected to host US President Barack Obama, who will be the first US leader to visit the South-east Asia nation.
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