“China goes big on Laos power projects, boosting Southeast Asian sway” 12 March 2024

Chinese state-owned companies are stepping up power infrastructure investment in Laos, including hydroelectric power plants and transmission, expanding their footprint in a country that aims to become the "battery of Southeast Asia."

The Nam Ou hydroelectric plant, one of the largest power generation facilities in the country's north by capacity... was built by the Power Construction Corp. of China, or PowerChina...

"I'm grateful to the Chinese companies," said a Hmong woman who runs a general store near the dam. Although dam construction forced many small villages, mostly of ethnic minorities, to relocate higher in the mountains, tourists are increasing, and the general store's sales are brisk.

Chinese companies invested $3.2 billion in Laos' energy sector over the five years through March 2023...China's efforts extend to transmission. China Southern Power Grid (CSG) began full-scale power transmission in January through EDLT, which it jointly established with the state power provider. CSG controls the venture with a 90% stake...

Electricite du Laos (EDL) sold its power transmission network to EDLT, giving the Chinese-controlled company ownership of most of Laos' power grid...

China is said to account for almost half of Laos' external debt. If repayments are delayed, the country could fall into a debt trap, where rights and interests in critical infrastructure are handed over to the lender.