China’s generous virus response to impoverished southern neighbor is all about keeping the Belt and Road Initiative on track in SE Asia

The mega-project is not only an expression of the friendship that China has established in recent years with its impoverished southern neighbor. It also aims to serve as a connective gateway linking southern China with Thailand and the rest of mainland Southeast Asia with plans to extend as far south as Singapore.

In that context, the railroad is of utmost strategic importance. China is not likely to give up its grand plans and visions because of the Covid-19 crisis.

.....With only 16 confirmed Covid-19 infections and no reported deaths so far, landlocked Laos has been largely spared from the lethal outbreaks that have hit other regional countries. As elsewhere, Laos’ borders are now closed and non-essential workers have been ordered to remain home.

By all accounts, the Covid-19 crisis has so far only strengthened, not weakened, Vientiane’s ties to Beijing.