(251202) -- VIENTIANE, Dec. 2, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Lao soldiers participate in a military parade marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2025. Laos is alive with celebrations honoring five decades of steady national growth as the country marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on Tuesday. The 50th anniversary celebrations began Tuesday morning with a grand parade, broadcast live on television, as residents across the country joined the festivities. (Xinhua/Zhao Xu)