China and Laos inaugurate joint military base near Vientiane
China and Laos have opened a shared military facility at an airport north of Vientiane, expanding China's regional military footprint.
The two governments announced the commissioning of a joint base at a northern Vientiane airport, marking a new stage in bilateral defence cooperation. Officials said the site will host Chinese and Laotian forces, enhancing Beijing's ability to project power in Southeast Asia. The move follows China's broader strategy to increase its influence across the Asia-Pacific, including its activities in the South China Sea.
Why it matters
The base gives China a new foothold in mainland Southeast Asia, affecting regional security dynamics.
In this story
joint military facilityChinaLaosregional influenceSouth China Seadefence cooperationmilitary expansion
