China and Laos inaugurated a joint training facility at Ban Keun, 65 km north of Vientiane, on May 28, staging eight JL‑8 aircraft and 24 support vehicles for the new airfield. <
> The site, once known as Lima Site 44 during the Vietnam War, was operated covertly by the CIA‑backed Air America to ferry Hmong troops into Laos’s rugged highlands. <
> Defence Minister Li Shangfu said the base will strengthen Laos’ pilot training and be jointly maintained, stressing that the runway is still under construction to accommodate larger aircraft. <
> Security analysts Collin Koh and Alexander Neill noted satellite images from Vantor showing an extended runway and potential facilities that could support signals‑intelligence platforms, indicating a strategic expansion beyond basic training. <
> With the base now operational, China controls a forward location that could host air defence, fuel storage, and surveillance assets, while regional powers monitor for any new capabilities. The Ministry of Defence plans a joint exercise with Lao forces next month, signalling a deepening military partnership.