Eight aircraft spotted at Chinese facility in Laos — The Guardian

Satellite images have recorded eight light attack aircraft at the site of a new joint Chinese-Laotian support and training center in Ban Keun, about 50 km north of the Lao capital Vientiane. As The Guardian reports, images from commercial operator Vantor also show objects resembling more than a dozen military vehicles lined up in rows.

Aircraft and airfield expansion

The shape of the aircraft corresponds to Chinese Hongdu JL-8s — two-seat trainer aircraft that can be used in combat conditions and carry bombs. According to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, Laos has four such aircraft.

China opened the center in Ban Keun on September 29, calling it a joint support and training facility. Over the past year, the airport has been significantly expanded: satellite images taken several months ago show farmland and dirt roads where the current buildings and runway now stand.

Images taken the day after the opening of the center was announced also indicate extensive construction work. It is likely focused on a future runway extension, which could potentially allow larger aircraft, including bombers, to be accommodated.

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China's position and the regional response

China's Ministry of Defense said the center would help Laos strengthen the training of its air force pilots and was not directed against third parties. The Chinese government did not mention the deployment of aircraft in Laos in its initial announcement, while Lao authorities have not publicly commented on the project.

Singaporean security analyst Collin Koh said the facility could be the Chinese People's Liberation Army's first fully fledged overseas base in Southeast Asia. The US Institute for the Study of War called the base the PLA's first overseas military facility focused on air power, while stressing that it does not yet have the capacity to conduct large-scale combat operations.

Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri said Bangkok considers the decision to permit a Chinese base to be Vientiane's sovereign right, but will continue monitoring developments.