Key facts
- China opened a joint military support and training center in Laos.
- The new center is located at an airport in Ban Keun.
- The facility aims to help Laos strengthen its air force pilot training.
- China also operates a joint training center at Cambodia's Ream naval base and a logistics base in Djibouti.
China has opened a new joint military support and training center in Laos, according to a statement from Beijing's Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday. This move represents a rare overseas expansion for China's military presence.
The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy are now operational at an airport in Ban Keun. The ministry stated that these institutions, jointly maintained and operated by both sides, are intended to help Laos enhance the training of its air force pilots.
No specific details were provided regarding the personnel, equipment, or facilities that will be based at the airport. The Laos embassy in Bangkok did not respond to a request for comment.
China previously established a joint training and support center at Cambodia's Ream naval base and operates a logistics base in Djibouti. While Cambodia has denied the presence of Chinese troops at Ream, the United States has expressed concerns about an increased Chinese military footprint in the region.