Full Breakdown
China Opens Joint Military Support and Training Centre in Laos
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 29, China's Ministry of National Defence announced the opening of the China-Laos Joint Support and Training Centre and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy at an airport in Ban Keun, Laos. The facilities are described as jointly maintained and operated by China and Laos to help Laos train air-force pilots. No details on personnel, equipment or facilities were provided.
Background & Context
The centre represents a rare overseas expansion of Chinese military infrastructure. China already runs a joint training and support centre at Cambodia’s Ream naval base on the Gulf of Thailand and a logistics base in Djibouti. Cambodia has denied that Chinese troops are stationed at Ream, while the United States has expressed concerns about an expanded Chinese presence in the region. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun met with Laos Defence Minister Khamlieng Outhakaisone at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 16, underscoring bilateral ties.
Official Statements & Responses
The Laos embassy in Bangkok did not respond to requests for comment.
Why It Matters
The centre adds to China's overseas military footprint, a factor in regional security calculations. United States concerns indicate the development may be considered in broader strategic assessments of Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Data & Statistics
The centre and aviation academy are located at an airport in Ban Keun. China’s overseas military footprint now includes at least two joint training centres (Laos and Cambodia) and a logistics base in Djibouti.