Vietnam urges China-Laos military cooperation to follow international — SkimNews
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- China and Laos established a joint military training facility at Ban Keun airport near Vientiane, according to China's defense ministry announcement in September
- Vietnam's foreign ministry stated that all regional cooperation must comply with international law, the UN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
- Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam's foreign ministry, emphasized that such partnerships should contribute positively to peace, security, and stability in the region
- The joint facility is located at an airport in Laos, raising regional concerns about the expansion of China's security footprint in Southeast Asia
Why it matters: Vietnam’s public emphasis on legal and regional alignment signals concern over China’s growing military presence near its borders. With no direct mention of opposition, Hanoi positions itself as a defender of ASEAN principles while quietly pushing back against unilateral security arrangements that could shift regional power dynamics.
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