The event was attended by Mr. Khammon Chanthachit, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Propaganda and Training Board, Mr. Cai Xiangrong, Executive Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, Ms. Fang Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Lao PDR and Ms. Dalany Phommavongsa, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, along with other invited guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Khammon highlighted the Chinese Spring Festival as a meaningful tradition that symbolizes bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one, while strengthening family unity and shared hopes for prosperity. He extended New Year wishes to the Chinese people and Chinese communities living in Laos, and encouraged continued efforts to deepen the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

Mr. Cai noted that Laos and China are close neighbors connected by shared mountains and rivers and are strategic partners with a shared future. He said 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and China, and has been designated as the “Laos–China Friendship Year.” He added that the top leaders of both countries officially announced the launch of the Friendship Year earlier the same day.

Mr. Cai also pointed to the timing of the event, noting it followed “Lichun,” the Beginning of Spring in the Chinese calendar, which represents renewal and fresh starts. He said the delegation traveled by the “Lan Xang” train from Kunming along the Laos–China Railway, organizing cultural activities on board under the theme “Traveling Together Through Song, United as One.” More than 100 performers from ethnic groups in Yunnan Province joined performances to share festive joy with passengers from both countries.

Organizers said the activities gained significant attention, receiving coverage from more than 500 media outlets. Over 10 online influencers from the South and Southeast Asia Net Idol Alliance also joined livestream broadcasts, attracting more than 20 million online viewers and generating over 300 million views.

Artists from Laos and China were also scheduled to perform again that evening under the theme “A Bright New Spring, Strong Neighborly Bonds,” continuing efforts to expand cultural exchange and strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations.

The event also highlighted the role of the Laos–China Railway, described as a symbolic project under the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2026, the railway marks its 5th anniversary of operation, having transported more than 63 million passenger trips and over 73 million tons of cargo, and is widely recognized as an important route supporting development and connectivity.

Ambassador Fang Hong said 2026 is the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan and also the first year for Laos to implement the resolutions of the 12th National Party Congress. She noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, with both sides jointly announcing 2026 as the Laos–China Friendship Year, creating new momentum for deepening exchanges and expanding cooperation.

The celebration featured more than nine performances by artists from both countries, including songs and dances such as “Song of Blessings,” “Good Luck in the New Year,” “Birdsong Welcoming the Sunlight,” the Nang Keo dance, and “Joyful Songs Along the Friendship Route,” along with other cultural presentations.

KPL