China and Laos Establish Joint Support Center in Ban Khone, Vientiane Province, Sparking Speculation
On September 29, China and Laos announced the establishment of a "joint support center" in Ban Khone, Vientiane Province, Laos. The Lao military said it is used to train air force pilots and denied speculation about a military base, but it raised concerns in the United States and its Asian allies about China's expanding military influence in Southeast Asia.