Commentary: China-Laos military facility is a clear win for Beijing

The joint military facility between China and Laos at Ban Keun Airport, inaugurated on September 29, presents significant implications for the region. Located 50km north of Vientiane, this facility marks a notable shift in Laos' military relationships and signals Beijing's growing defence diplomacy in Southeast Asia. Beijing asserts that the facility serves dual purposes: it will train Laotian air force pilots and serve as a logistical hub for China's defense cooperation activities.

While the facility's completion, under a year after work began in October 2025, is noteworthy, it is not China's first overseas military base. The PLA established a base in Djibouti in 2017 and a Joint Training and Support Centre at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia last year, financed by Beijing. However, Ban Keun will be the People's Liberation Army Air Force's first dedicated overseas outpost.

Laos has long maintained close military ties with both China and Russia, conducting eight military exercises with China's People's Liberation Army and six with Russia's armed forces since 2017. Laos' air force predominantly uses Russian-made aircraft, with over half of its 37 aircraft produced in Russia. The proximity of Ban Keun to Vientiane raises concerns among Laos' neighbors, particularly Vietnam, as it may indicate a shift towards prioritizing military ties with China over Russia.

Russia's declining reliability as a defense partner and increasing production issues have prompted Laos to reconsider its military partnerships. The opening of Ban Keun suggests that China may be using its economic influence to bolster its security interests in Laos, potentially leading to increased Chinese arms sales and military cooperation.

This development could challenge Vietnam's strategic interests, as the facility is situated near the western flank of the country, an area traditionally within Vietnam's sphere of influence. While Vietnam has not responded formally to the opening, it is likely to view Ban Keun as a potential intelligence gathering outpost for China, particularly for monitoring US-Thai military exercises.

Thailand, Laos' closest defense partner and ally, is closely monitoring the situation but is unlikely to be overly concerned due to its strong economic and political ties with China. The Ban Keun facility represents a clear win for China, a setback for Russia, a challenge for Vietnam, and a significant security concern for the United States.

Its impact on Laos remains uncertain, as the country navigates its evolving military alliances and strategic priorities.