China has opened a new military outpost at a former CIA airfield in northwestern Laos, expanding its security cooperation with the country. The facility is located near Vientiane and close to the Thai border. It includes the China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy.
According to China’s Ministry of Defense, operations began on September 29. In addition, satellite images show a 2,000-meter runway, a taxiway, and parking space for 22 aircraft. Several aircraft, possibly Hongdu JL-8 training and light-attack jets, were also visible at the site.
Chinese officials said the facilities are intended to improve pilot training and military cooperation with Laos. However, the site is also strategically important because Laos shares a border with China and is connected to Beijing through major infrastructure projects, including a railway.
The base has symbolic importance because Ban Keun was used by Air America, a CIA-operated airline, during the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, China has continued to expand its military presence abroad through other facilities, including its official base in Djibouti and its involvement in Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base.
Analysts argue that the Laos facility does not significantly change the regional military balance. Overall, the new outpost reflects China’s growing defense ties in Southeast Asia and its broader effort to strengthen its strategic presence in the region.
Reference
CNN en Español. (2026, October 9). Este antiguo aeródromo de la CIA es ahora una base china. CNN.
https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2026/10/09/mundo/antiguo-aerodromo-cia-base-china-trax