Briefly

CHINA

Lao foreign minister to pay official visit

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane will pay a fourday official visit to China starting on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning announced on Monday. The visit marks Thongsavanh's first trip to China since taking office in November, as well as the first of its kind by a foreign minister to the country following the annual two sessions this year, which Mao said highlights the high importance both sides place on their ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with Thongsavanh and they will exchange views on strengthening bilateral and multilateral strategic coordination, she said.