China Gets a New Base in Southeast Asia
Peter Zeihan
4 min
China is building a self-sufficient base in Laos to project power across Southeast Asia despite the high risk of conflict with Thailand. Thailand represents a significant strategic hurdle because it is the most capable country in the region with a history of resisting foreign control.
Chapters
-
0:00
China builds first independent overseas base in Laos
The video discusses a new development where China is laying foundations for an overseas base it can supply without outside help. This contrasts with their existing base in Djibouti, which relies on neighboring nations and the United States to operate unfettered. The new facility is located in landlocked Laos, allowing China to project power throughout Southeast Asia using only domestic resources.
-
2:18
Strategic risks of placing a base near Thailand
The analysis highlights that while Laos is under total Chinese control, it sits directly on the border of Thailand. Thailand is identified as the most capable country in the region economically and militarily, possessing a deep cultural history of resisting colonization. Placing an airbase there risks provoking a strong response from a nation with a functional army.
Key points
- 0:00
China only has one overseas base until now, which is in Djibouti.
- 0:00
The existing Djibouti base depends on Vietnam, India, and the United States for supply lines.
- 0:00
The new base is located in Laos, a landlocked failed state.
- 0:52
Chinese security forces and intelligence services basically run Laos.
- 0:52
Laos is more under Chinese control than Belarus is under Russia's thumb.
- 1:10
Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos possess a combination of industrial capacity, geographic potential, and good demographics.
- 1:10
The new base is situated just south of Vientiane, hard up against the Thai border.
- 1:10
Satellite photos show Chinese aircraft stationed there for extended periods, not just overnight.
- 1:10
Turning Laos into a military satrapy provides China with new reach throughout land-based Southeast Asia.
- 1:10
Thailand was never fully colonized and always remained under domestic Thai control up to its borders.
- 1:10
Using the Laos airbase risks provoking a fight with a country that can fight back.
On the map
Who and where
Places · 12
- Thailand 10
- People's Republic of China 9
- Laos 3
- Southeast Asia 3
- Vientiane 1
- United States 1
- Vietnam 3
- Djibouti 1
- Belarus 1
- Myanmar 1
- India 1
- Russia 1
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