Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Enters “New Golden Decade” with Launch of LMC 2.0
Beijing, March 24, 2026 – China has unveiled its vision for the next decade of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) with the launch of “LMC 2.0,” emphasizing deeper collaboration in trade, security, and people-to-people links. The initiative, announced at a reception commemorating the 10th anniversary of the first LMC Leaders’ Meeting, signals China’s intent for the framework to play a more significant role in regional development and governance.
A Decade of Progress
Over the past decade, the LMC has fostered closer ties between China and the five Mekong countries – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. According to China’s Foreign Ministry, trade between China and the five Mekong countries has surpassed US$500 billion, a 150 percent increase over the past ten years . Numerous projects, including the LMC Bumper Harvest projects and the Lancang-Mekong Sweet Spring Action, have been implemented to benefit the region’s populations . Joint security initiatives, such as the Safe Lancang-Mekong operations, have also been undertaken to maintain regional stability .
LMC 2.0: A New Agenda
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, addressing the reception, called for better alignment of development strategies among the LMC countries and urged the joint construction of “LMC 2.0” amidst increasing global turbulence . Key areas of focus for the next phase include:
- Infrastructure Connectivity: Faster perform on the LMC International Secretariat, strengthening infrastructure links, and expanding cooperation under the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, alongside the development of an LMC Economic Development Belt .
- Technological Innovation: Deeper cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, scientific and technological innovation, and new energy investment .
- Sustainable Development: Building regional green value chains and industrial clusters .
- People-to-People Exchanges: Faster development of the Lancang-Mekong Tourism Cities Cooperation Alliance, closer media and think-tank cooperation, and increased youth and personnel exchanges .
Strengthening Security and Regional Governance
Security remains a central pillar of the LMC. Wang Yi emphasized the need for deepened whole-basin governance, continued sharing of upstream and downstream hydrological information, and intensified joint action against cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud . Continued support for joint patrol and law-enforcement operations on the Mekong River was also highlighted .
Regional Support and Future Outlook
Thailand’s ambassador to China, Chatchai Viriyavejakul, co-chairing the mechanism, lauded the cooperation’s progress and called for greater solidarity to build a “safer, cleaner, and more sustainable shared future” for the Lancang-Mekong countries . Two reports outlining future regional pathways and connectivity were also released during the reception .
The launch of LMC 2.0 underscores China’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and its vision for the Lancang-Mekong region as a key driver of development and stability in Southeast Asia.
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