The Changing Chinese Society in Laos

In 2016, Asia Insight reported on a flourishing Chinese mall located in Laos, known to locals as the "Chinese castle". It had served as the center of business for many Chinese merchants, but in July of 2017, a sudden fire burned the complex to the ground. With their hard work turned to ash before their eyes, many returned home to China, and a small few relocated and rebuilt their businesses. However, with the start of the One Belt One Road policy, business competition from major firms has intensified, leaving little room for smaller shopkeepers to flourish. In this episode, we reconnect with the Chinese merchants struggling to get by in rapidly changing Laos.