The Wire

Global leaders, including Prime Minister Julia Gillard, are descending on Laos for the Asia Europe Summit. It’s a unique opportunity for the poor, land-locked South East Asian nation, which has garnered attention recently for its rapid economic growth, and its acceptance two weeks ago into the World Trade Organisation.

Laos has close economic ties with its neighbours Vietnam, Thailand and China, which has helped drive development and investment. But some experts say the growing influence of China especially is something that’s making other countries in the region uneasy.