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China opens rare joint military support centre in Laos
The two facilities will help Laos train air force pilots, while China expands its limited overseas military presence in Southeast Asia.
On Tuesday, China's Ministry of National Defence announced the opening of two military facilities at Ban Keun Airport in Laos, marking a rare overseas expansion into Southeast Asia.
The China-Laos Joint Support and Training Center and the China-Laos Friendship Aviation Academy are now operational, aiming to "help Laos strengthen the training of its air force pilots," the ministry said.
Beijing's Ministry of National Defence provided no details regarding personnel or equipment at Ban Keun Airport, while the Laos embassy in Bangkok did not respond to requests for comment.
Beijing stated the operations are "not directed against any third party" and aim to "deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries" to contribute to regional stability.
China operates similar support and training facilities in Djibouti and at Cambodia's Ream naval base, where the United States has raised concerns about an expanded Chinese presence.
China expands military presence and opens support center and air academy in Laos <p>China and Laos have launched a joint support center and aviation academy to train military pilots. Details on forces and techniques
not disclosed.</p>