From Dw · · 1m 40s
China's Laos Military Base
China opens military base in Laos, deepening security ties with Southeast Asia.
In brief
China opens military base in Laos, deepening security ties with Southeast Asia. China established a new military training facility in Laos to train Lao air force pilots, expanding its overseas military presence in Southeast Asia. Originally reported by Dw.
China opens military base in Laos
China has opened a new military training and logistics facility in Laos, extending Beijing's security presence deeper into mainland Southeast Asia.
Joint Training Center at Ban Keun
The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center at Ban Keun Airport, north of the capital Vientiane, formally began operations late last month alongside the new China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy.
Beijing's Training Focus
Beijing says the center will primarily help train Lao air force pilots and will be jointly maintained and operated by the two countries.
China's Growing Military Footprint
The opening adds to China's still relatively small network of overseas military facilities, including Beijing's first base in Djibouti in 2017 and Cambodia's Ream Naval Base.
Strategic Competition in Southeast Asia
A more durable Chinese military presence in Laos would also add another dimension to the strategic competition between Beijing and Washington in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam's Strategic Concerns
Vietnam faces potential strategic encirclement by China, complicating its defense planning as it has traditionally viewed Laos and Cambodia as strategic buffers.
Laos' Dependence on China
Laos has become heavily dependent on Chinese investment and financing, with public debt at 81% of GDP last year and China as the largest bilateral creditor.
Geographical Limitations
The landlocked nature of Laos limits Ban Keun's military value, as it provides no sea access and Chinese aircraft already operate from better-equipped bases in southern China.
The bottom line
China established a new military training facility in Laos to train Lao air force pilots, expanding its overseas military presence in Southeast Asia.
