Passengers leave the Vientiane Station of the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2024. The China-Laos Railway has emerged as a catalyst for regional economic growth three years after its launch, China's railway operator said on Tuesday. Offering a safe and sustainable operation, the railway had handled over 43 million passenger trips and transported 48.3 million tonnes of cargo as of Monday, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)