China Gets a New Base in Southeast Asia || Oct. 9, 2026

The Chinese are laying the groundwork for a new overseas military base in Laos. What makes this so special? Well, it would be the first foreign base that China can reliably supply without heavy dependence on other countries. And it would enable greater power projection across mainland Southeast Asia.

But there are some caveats. This base would be hard up against the Thai border, and for anyone who lacks regional knowledge, Thailand isn't just some pushover country. It has a longstanding history of independence and a military to uphold that. Regardless, China's base could significantly alter the region’s strategic balance.

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