US President Barack Obama and Laos' President Choummaly Sayasone at the Asean meeting in California in February 2016. Photo: AFP
Can Obama help Laos emerge from China’s shadow?
Historic visit may be a boost, but Vientiane’s economic reliance on its giant neighbour means it faces a tightrope walk in counterbalancing Chinese influence
US President Barack Obama and Laos' President Choummaly Sayasone at the Asean meeting in California in February 2016. Photo: AFP