GeoSEA | V1 | No 2
In April 2025, Southeast Asia saw strengthened regional cooperation and strategic infrastructure development. Thailand and Cambodia pledged joint efforts on transnational crime and labour rights while Human Rights Watch urged caution against human rights violations. Laos, Cambodia, and China launched a direct cross-border transport route under the GMS initiative, reducing delivery times and boosting trade efficiency.
Indonesia and China held their first 2+2 Dialogue, leading to a Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue across five pillars. Indonesia also approved Russia’s Rosatom to build its first nuclear plant by 2030. Laos and Vietnam deepened defence ties through a 2025–2029 plan, while Laos and China expanded trade to $8.23 billion, underpinned by the Lao-China Railway.
Infrastructure development continued with the inauguration of Wharf No. 3 at the Lao-Viet International Port, enhancing regional logistics. Laos also broke ground on the $360 million Nam Neun 1 hydropower project to export electricity to Vietnam by 2028.
