Foreign ministers from six countries along the Lancang-Mekong River Basin have committed to deepening regional collaboration over the next decade, aiming to foster sustainable development and stability. The agreement emerged during the tenth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Anning, southwest China's Yunnan Province, where leaders outlined a vision for an upgraded partnership.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for a revitalized LMC framework prioritizing solidarity, green innovation, and shared economic benefits. "All parties should work toward a cooperation model that ensures peace, openness, and mutual prosperity," Wang stated, highlighting the initiative's role in addressing transboundary challenges like water resource management and climate resilience.
The LMC—comprising Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Chinese mainland—has driven over 700 development projects since 2016. Analysts note the latest pledge could strengthen supply chain connectivity and cross-border investment, particularly in renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
With the Mekong region serving as a vital economic corridor linking South and Southeast Asia, the upgraded cooperation framework is expected to attract attention from global investors and policymakers seeking opportunities in emerging Asian markets.
