China-Laos Air Base Could Be Another Southeast Asian Forward Outpost For Beijing - Analysis

China and Laos opened a joint support and training center and an aviation academy at Ban Keun, about 50 kilometers north of Vientiane, on Sept. 29, according to Beijing. The project is designed to train Lao air-force pilots and be jointly maintained, and analysts say it could become a lasting mainland Southeast Asian foothold for Beijing even if it doesn’t immediately boost combat power. Radio Free Asia cited satellite imagery and continued construction, including K-8 training aircraft, alongside Beijing’s claim that the facility is not aimed at any third party.