China opens military base at Laos' former CIA airfield
What happened
China's military opened an outpost at Ban Keun Airport in northwestern Laos on September 29, the Defense Ministry said. The site, formerly operated by the CIA's Air America during the Vietnam War, now features a 2,000-meter runway and parking for 22 aircraft. Analysts contacted by CNN played down the threat to U.S. forces, noting the runway is not positioned to target any specific location and questioned the base's operational necessity. The facility is described as a joint support and training center rather than an offensive installation.
Written by AI from the reports · updated 2 h ago
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- CNN (home page)China opens military base at former CIA airfield in Laos
China's military has opened a new outpost at Ban Keun Airport in northwestern Laos, a site once used by the CIA's Air America during the Vietnam War. The base includes a 2,000-meter runway and parking for 22 aircraft, and began operations on September 29 according to China's Defense Ministry. Analysts downplay the threat to U.S. forces, noting the runway is not positioned as a dagger pointed at any target and questioning its operational necessity. 中国在老挝前中情局机场开设军事基地 中国军队在老挝北部万象附近的班空机场开设了新基地，该地曾是越南战争期间美国中情局航空公司的使用场所。基地包括一条2000米跑道和可停放22架飞机的停机坪，于9月29日开始运营。分析师对该基地对美军的威胁程度持怀疑态度。
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