US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Laos Sunday to begin his four-day trip which also includes Cambodia and China. Analysts believe the trip to Laos and Cambodia is intended to expand Washington's clout in the two China-friendly countries and balance China in the South China Sea disputes. In China, Kerry is expected to press China on the North Korean nuclear issue.

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party selected a new central committee last week. Laos is the chair of ASEAN this year. The US media expect Vientiane's stance on the South China Sea to be in line with that of Washington's.

Some observers say the leadership change in Laos means a shift away from China, but this analysis is too simple. China-Laos ties are solid, which matter to Laos' major strategic interests. There are some Vietnam elements in the personal experience of the new Lao leader, but it does not necessarily constitute reasons for the country to adjust its China policy.

Cambodia is another iron friend of China among ASEAN members. There are few opposing voices toward China at the political level. Even the opposition party does not hype negative issues between China and Cambodia.

Vietnam exerts a certain influence on both Laos and Cambodia, particularly the former, but the impact does not affect their relations with China and has nothing to do with the two countries' stance on the South China Sea.

Laos and Cambodia are geopolitically adjacent to China and China is unquestionably the region's primary economic powerhouse. An intimate relationship with China is a certain choice for the two.

They may seek ties with the US to strike a diplomatic balance, but it will not come at the cost of relations with China.

The US woos China's neighbors by inciting territorial disputes and carrying out ideological penetration. But neither Cambodia nor Laos has territorial disputes with China. Laos does not practice a multi-party system, and Cambodia focuses on development rather than political struggles.

Vietnam is one of the ASEAN members that has territorial disputes with China. Myanmar is influenced by Western ideologies.

But territorial disputes can generate less impact on Beijing-Hanoi ties. Myanmar's political changes are playing a less negative role in China-Myanmar cooperation. China's influence is gradually gaining momentum in the region.

It is reasonable that countries on China's periphery cement ties with the US. However, if Washington tries to make Southeast Asia a fortress to defend against China, it will make things difficult for itself.