# China Opens Military Base in Laos

> China’s new military base in Laos boosts regional influence but sparks concerns over Southeast Asian security.
- Title: China Opens Military Base in Laos · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: China’s new military base in Laos boosts regional influence but sparks concerns over Southeast Asian security. China has opened its first overseas air force…
- Keywords: china, laos, military, southeast asia, indochina peninsula, asean, thailand, vietnam, south china sea, united states, Opens, Base
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/07/china-military-base-laos-vientiane
- Author: Joseph Rachman
- Published: 2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: china, laos, military, southeast asia, indochina peninsula, asean, thailand, vietnam, south china sea, united states
## China Opens Military Base in Laos
China has established a military base in Laos, its third overseas military base and second in Southeast Asia.
## Location and Purpose
The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center and China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy are situated at an airport about 30 miles from Laos’s capital, Vientiane.
## Satellite Evidence
Satellite imagery shows construction started last year, making this China’s first overseas air force base.
## Military Context
China’s global military presence is dwarfed by the United States, but it has opened bases in Djibouti and Cambodia since 2017.
## Strategic Implications
China-focused commentator Rudy Lu suggests the base will shape Laos’s air force and encourage purchases of Chinese equipment.
## Thailand’s Stance
Thailand, a U.S. treaty ally, says it will monitor developments but cannot interfere with Laos’s sovereign decision.
## Vietnam’s Concerns
Vietnam fears China’s growing presence in Laos could give it leverage in regional crises, especially given historical tensions.
## Taiwan’s Perspective
Taiwan worries the base could help China intercept U.S. Air Force assets flying across Indochina from Diego Garcia.
## Limited Impact
Experts suggest the base may not significantly boost China’s power projection capabilities compared to bases in southern China.
## Regional Reactions
Thailand’s deputy prime minister said the U.S. warned it but Thailand cannot interfere with Laos’s decision to host the base.
## ASEAN Summit Rumors
Rumors spread that U.S. President Trump may attend the next ASEAN summit in Manila, Philippines, in November.
## Sumatran Rhinos
Two Sumatran rhinos in Way Kambas National Park are pregnant and due to give birth in May 2027.
## Myanmar Deportations
Malaysia deported 1,476 Myanmar nationals, including those wearing shirts with 'I [heart] Myanmar' and 'Happy Voyage Back to Motherland' phrases.
## Indonesian Cabinet
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reshuffled his cabinet, appointing his third finance minister and replacing foreign minister Sugiono with Arrmanatha Nasir.
## Regional Tensions
China’s military presence in Laos raises concerns for Vietnam and Taiwan, as both countries view the region as critical to their security.
## What Happens Next
Thailand will monitor developments closely while balancing its relationships with both China and the United States.
## Key takeaway

China has opened its first overseas air force base in Laos, raising fears of increased military presence in Southeast Asia.