SINGAPORE: On Sep 29, China opened a joint military facility with Laos at Ban Keun airport, 50km north of the capital Vientiane. The inauguration of the facility, which took most security analysts by surprise, represents a significant gain for China’s defence diplomacy in Southeast Asia, a recalibration of Laos’ military relationships and a concern for neighbouring countries, particularly Vietnam. According to Beijing, the China-Laos Joint Support and Training Centre and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy serve two purposes: to provide training for Laotian air force pilots and to act as a logistical hub for China’s defence cooperation activities with Laos….
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