China establishes new military outpost in northwestern Laos

The Chinese military has established a new outpost in northwestern Laos at the site of a former Vietnam-era CIA airfield. Located at Ban Keun Airport, approximately 64 kilometers north of Vientiane and 40 kilometers from the Thai border, the facility consists of the “China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center” and the “China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy.”

According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the base began operations on September 29. Satellite imagery reveals a completed 2,000-meter runway, taxiways, and an apron capable of parking 22 aircraft. Currently, eight aircraft, identified as possibly being Hongdu JL-8 light-attack trainers, are visible at the site.

China stated the facilities are intended to “strengthen the training and development of Laos air force pilots” and are “not directed against any third party.” While the move is seen as symbolic given the site's history as a logistics hub for CIA-operated Air America, analysts suggest it provides China with a strategically valuable access point in mainland Southeast Asia due to Laos's proximity to China and existing infrastructure.