PELUANG DAN TANTANGAN LAOS DALAM PROYEK KERETA CEPAT TIONGKOK-LAOS 2015-2023

This article discusses cooperation between Laos and China, namely the China-Laos high-speed train which began construction in 2016. This research uses dependency theory, where a country that continuously needs another country is indirectly dependent on that country. Many factors influence this, including superior technology, a stronger economy and others, such as Laos which needs China to carry out the China-Laos high-speed train project. This research is descriptive qualitative in nature which describes, illustrates and explains events or phenomena and facts by sorting, collecting and generalizing facts. In this research, the author presents and provides a detailed description of the opportunities and challenges faced by Laos in the 2015-2023 China-Laos high-speed train project. The China- Laos high-speed rail project provides benefits for both countries such as increased connectivity between regions. However, behind the benefits, there are also quite a few challenges faced by Laos in this project, starting from capital challenges, natural sustainability, increasing debt burdens and the emergence of Laos' dependence on China.