Stories
China Expands Military Presence in Laos with New Support and Training Centre
F
Firstpost•29-09-2026, 19:36
China Expands Military Presence in Laos with New Support and Training Centre
- •China has opened a new military support and training centre and an aviation academy in Ban Keun, Laos, to enhance the training of Lao air force pilots.
- •The facilities, jointly maintained and operated by China and Laos, are part of Beijing's expanding network of overseas defence facilities, including a logistics base in Djibouti and a joint centre in Cambodia.
- •China's Ministry of National Defence stated the activities are not directed against any third party and aim to contribute to regional peace and stability.
- •The development places another Chinese-linked military facility in mainland Southeast Asia, a region where China has steadily increased its economic, diplomatic, and security influence.
- •The expansion occurs amidst Laos' significant economic dependence on China, with Chinese lending contributing to a severe debt crisis, raising questions about "debt trap diplomacy."
Key Questions Answered
China has opened the China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy at an airport in Ban Keun to improve the training of Laos' air force pilots.
In addition to the new facilities in Laos, China has established a joint support and training centre at Cambodia's Ream naval base and operates a military logistics base in Djibouti.
Laos faces a severe debt crisis with China holding nearly half of its sovereign external debt, though a Lowy Institute analysis notes that Lao authorities themselves played a major role in the decisions that contributed to this situation.
