China opens rare joint military support centre in Laos
The two facilities will help Laos train air force pilots, while China expands its limited overseas military presence in Southeast Asia.
- On Tuesday, China's Ministry of National Defence announced the opening of two military facilities at Ban Keun Airport in Laos, marking a rare overseas expansion into Southeast Asia.
- The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy are now operational, aiming to "help Laos strengthen the training of its air force pilots," the ministry said.
- Beijing's Ministry of National Defence provided no details regarding personnel or equipment at Ban Keun Airport, while the Laos embassy in Bangkok did not respond to requests for comment.
- Beijing stated the operations are "not directed against any third party" and aim to "deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries" to contribute to regional stability.
- China operates similar support and training facilities in Djibouti and at Cambodia's Ream naval base, where the United States has raised concerns about an expanded Chinese presence.
54 Articles
54 Articles
China's Air Force Gains First Foreign Center
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Pilot training, renovated U.S. airstrip latest signs of China's growing influence in Southeast Asia
China has opened a foreign air force support center and is training pilots in Communist Laos -- the latest thrust south by Beijing's military, which is already training the armed forces of other Southeast Asian nations.
Laos air base part of China's Indian Ocean ambitions: Expert
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China Expands Military Footprint With Laos Air Base
Last Updated on October 3, 2026 by Jeff Tomas BEIJING – China has officially opened a new joint military training and support facility in isolated Laos. This strategic move raises serious questions about Beijing’s rapidly expanding military footprint across Southeast Asia. The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center is now fully operational near the town […] <p>The post China Expands Military Footprint With Laos Air Base first appeared on C…
China widens military footprint with Laos air base
Beijing has long sought to increase its influence across Asia-Pacific, competing with Washington and its allies over crucial shipping routes and undersea resource exploration, including in the disputed South China Sea. Under leader Xi Jinping, the world's second-largest economy has sought to modernise its military, ramping up defence spending and pressure on Taiwan, which it claims. Until now, installations abroad were primarily naval bases. The…
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