China and Laos Open Joint Air Force Training Center
China and Laos inaugurated a joint air force support center and aviation academy at Ban Keun Airport to strengthen Laotian pilot training and military cooperation.
The Ministry of National Defence of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Laos inaugurated the China-Laos Joint Support and Training Centre and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy on September 29, 2026. Located at Ban Keun Airport in Vientiane Province, the facilities are jointly maintained and operated by both nations to enhance the skills and training of Laotian Air Force pilots.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Khamlieng attended the opening ceremony alongside a delegation from the People's Liberation Army. While the facilities are now operational, neither government has disclosed the specific number of personnel or the types of military hardware based at the site.
Chinese officials stated that the center complies with domestic and international laws and is not directed against any third party. The initiative is intended to deepen practical military cooperation and maintain regional peace and stability. This development follows other Chinese strategic expansions, including a logistics base in Djibouti and previous naval cooperation in Southeast Asia.
