I just can’t fathom what could be so wrong when someone expresses his or her concern of the motherland.  Many Laotians living oversea do have families and friends back home and most of them left Laos when they were already in their 20s, 30s, so we can’t simply dismiss the bonds that were naturally established with their own hometowns.  It’s like taking way our bonds with our parents that would be impossible.

They are ethnic Laotian from Laos regardless of their current residence.  The recent concession of our territory to the Chinese has caused rational anxiety to certain degree for some of us Laotians at home and abroad.  Only time will tell if the gain would outweigh the loss, and we should all hope for the best.

I am more empathetic toward the government because I don’t think they have much choice since Laos is quite poor economically and quite weak technologically, but the desire for a national pride takes precedence above all.  I take it with the great joy learning that Laos for once, gets to host the “ASEAN GAME” but I wouldn’t say that I am so proud of it like the Chinese were proud of their Olympics.

 It is unfortunate reality that the prospect of this event cannot come about without donations from the international community regardless of how we perceive it but nonetheless, it is a blessing for our motherland and please refrains from a constant criticism. Too much negativity will never be counterproductive.
 

I strongly believe the fortification of relations between Laos and the People’s Republic of China is deemed necessary to balance out the lopsided influence of Vietnam.  Furthermore, our comprehensive national power requires stability and without economy, it would be a hard press to achieve this. State to state relation is give and take; Laotian governments negotiate from a weak position; therefore, it’s not uncommon to have some strings attached for any concessions from our Chinese counterparts, but what do you expect the government to do?
 

Everyone wants development in Laos but how can that be possible if no one wants to give or compromise.  It’s heartbreaking to see the pictures of dilapidated Vientiane identical to rural areas in the West.  I think the governments are susceptible to its image as their contacts with outside world take them to different levels.

This includes the confluence of the frequent visits from foreign leaders, the cultural exchanges with other countries, the exposure of our people to the more developing nations and the desire to substantiate its one party -legitimacy cannot be ruled out. By granting the Chinese 50 years, the right to use the land (if it’s true as claimed) may sound like an excessive sacrifice, but based on a modern-day technicality, is just simply untrue.  Similar deals are being applied in Latin America and in Africa by the Chinese.

There are some Anti-China and Pro-China in Africa.  For example, the claims of exploitation of the locals, the mistreatment of laborers, the lack of proper equipments and the working conditions are below substandard. But from the Pro-China, they would state differently otherwise; relationship between China and Africa is based on mutual interest, equal trading system, produce the win-win outcome and as a result, the overall living standard of Africans has improved immensely since the arrival of Chinese influence. The relationship between Europe and Africa, some claimed is based on the Master-Servant system.

Base on my limited knowledge, Laos is moving in the right direction. It is ok sometime to swallow the pride for the betterment of the country and for the future of our posterity. We shall rejoice the advent of this great moment and fully support our athletes, our governments.  It is a common wish among our people and a milestone consensus for majority of us Laotians.

Thank you very much.