China–Laos Military Ties: China’s new joint support and training centre and aviation academy at Ban Keun, about 50km north of Vientiane, have started operating, with a new runway and facilities built on farmland—Beijing says it’s for training Lao pilots and not aimed at third parties, while analysts warn it expands China’s air-power reach in mainland Southeast Asia. Regional Water Politics: A report says China’s approach to the Mekong has turned the river into a geopolitics flashpoint, arguing cooperation with downstream states is weaker than with upstream partners—an issue that matters directly for Laos and other Mekong lifeline countries. Laos Gold Push: Laos saw 230kg of gold sold in three days at a Vientiane festival worth about US$33 million, reinforcing efforts to position Laos as an ASEAN gold hub as buyers seek a safe hedge. Cross-Border Trade Talks: Thailand and Laos discussed a single customs and immigration checkpoint to speed up procedures and boost connectivity. ASEAN Energy Watch: Plans for wider Thailand–Malaysia power sharing face new doubts as AI and data-centre demand strain peak-hour trading margins. Fraud Crackdown Link: China is also expanding international police cooperation against telecoms and cyber fraud, including a new alliance with East African partners.