China establishes joint training center at Laos' Ban Keun Airport

China has established the China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center at Ban Keun Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers north of Vientiane. The facility, which includes the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy, is designed to support the training of Laotian pilots and enhance bilateral military cooperation.

Analysts note that the site features a modernized 2,000-meter runway, capable of accommodating various aircraft sizes. While officially designated for training, the expansion of the airport's infrastructure has raised concerns regarding a potential long-term Chinese military and logistical presence in Southeast Asia. The development follows significant Chinese investment in Laotian infrastructure, including railways and power grids, amid the country's ongoing debt challenges.