Pilot training, renovated U.S. airstrip latest signs of China's growing influence in Southeast Asia
China has opened a foreign air force support center and is training pilots in Communist Laos -- the latest thrust south by Beijing's military, which is already training the armed forces of other Southeast Asian nations.
TL;DR
- China has opened a foreign air force support center.
- Pilot training is being conducted in Communist Laos.
- This represents a southward expansion of Beijing's military presence.
- China is also training armed forces from other Southeast Asian nations.