Laos' ASEAN chairmanship faces Chinese reality check

BANGKOK -- In some of Southeast Asia's capitals, diplomats have their work cut out for them in 2024 keeping tabs on China's debt grip on Laos, this year's chair of ASEAN.

Diplomatic sources from three countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations told Nikkei Asia that China's financial lifeline will be crucial if Laos is to ride out this year's high point in its diplomacy. Without that support, the landlocked, communist-ruled country might have to default on its sovereign debt this year.