Some analysts speculate about the geopolitical implications of Chinas growing footprint in Laos, which has traditionally been far closer to Vietnam. Others say Laos is merely leveraging its natural resources to skillfully balance three major economic engines -- China, Thailand and Vietnam. The political influence of Hanoi remains strong, according to a Vientiane-based regional economist who asked not to be named. Vietnams ideology is fully aligned with (that of) Laos, he said. With China, it is much more of an issue of economic influence. But the economist cautioned that the Lao government was initially in a hurry and sometimes too eager to sign deals with Chinese investors. This created strong public concern in some quarters -- and even within the government, he said. Now there is more private talk by government officials of a quiet push-back in a non-confrontational, Lao way. But it could be a token push-back. There will come a time, said a foreign development aid specialist in Vientiane, when Laos dependence on Vietnam, and on aid money from the West, could be vastly reduced -- because it has China writing it checks.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:49:04 +0000
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