The People's Liberation Army of China has officially launched a joint support and training center in Laos to assist in the training of air force pilots. This facility is considered China's third military outpost abroad.
On September 29, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced, "China and Laos have officially commenced operations at the joint support and training center at Vang Vieng Airport and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy." The ministry stated, "This initiative aims to enhance the training and development of Laotian air force pilots," adding that the construction and operation of the facility were achieved through mutual respect and equal consultation between the two nations, in accordance with domestic laws and relevant international laws and practices. It emphasized that the facility is not aimed at any third country and will strengthen practical cooperation between the militaries of China and Laos, contributing to regional peace and stability." The Chinese Ministry of Defense did not disclose further details.
On September 30, Taiwan's United Daily News highlighted the potential for the training center's future role. According to satellite imagery analysis cited by the publication, construction of the training center began in October of last year and was completed in September of this year. The longest runway is observed to be approximately 2,000 meters. The report also referenced Chinese media outlet 'Aviation Knowledge,' indicating that the establishment of this facility was a response to a request from Laos. Additionally, there are speculations that China may export J-10C fighter jets to Laos, potentially increasing its military presence in Southeast Asia.
However, the actual nature of this facility and the utilization of Chinese military aviation capabilities will likely be confirmed through the future deployment of Chinese military aircraft and joint training exercises between China and Laos.
The training center in Laos marks China's third military outpost abroad. The first was established in Djibouti, Africa, in 2017, which became operational when Chinese troops entered the base that August. This facility supports missions related to escorting, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and conducts military cooperation, joint training, and overseas evacuation and rescue operations.
The second outpost was a joint support and training center established by China and Cambodia at Ream Port in April of last year. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that this facility was intended to support regional counter-terrorism, disaster prevention and reduction, humanitarian aid, and joint training, with both countries dispatching necessary personnel for joint operations. In May of last year, the ministry noted that the Ream Port joint support and training center supported maritime joint training during the 'Golden Dragon-2025' joint exercise between China and Cambodia.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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