Laos: Chinese Embassy issues warning for Xaysomboun province June 18

Event

The Chinese Embassy in Laos issued a safety warning on Sunday, June 18, after a Chinese national was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Xaysomboun province on Friday, June 16.

Context

Chinese nationals abroad have increasingly come under attack as companies expand internationally in accordance with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road plan to build infrastructure throughout Asia. China and Laos agreed to enhance security measures in 2016, after a series of attacks on Chinese nationals. In January 2016, two Chinese employees of a mining company were killed in a suspected bomb blast in the region; in March 2016, a Chinese worker was killed and several others injured in an attack on a company backed by Chinese investment in Luang Prabang province.

Xaysomboun province has been plagued by sporadic conflict between the government and ethnic Hmong rebels for years.

Advice

Individuals present in Xaysomboun province are advised to exercise extreme caution, to monitor developments to the situation, and to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities or respective diplomatic missions. As a reminder, travel to Xaysomboun province is not authorized without a permit from the Laotian government and all visits should be undertaken with an escort organized by the relevant authorities.