China–Laos Military Ties: China has officially opened a new joint military training and support centre at Ban Keun, about 50km north of Vientiane, with a new runway and aviation academy—Laos says it’s for training Lao air force pilots, while analysts warn it could expand China’s regional military reach. Regional Security Watch: Malaysia’s foreign policy analyst says it’s premature to treat the Ban Keun facility as a threat without more details from Vientiane, urging transparency through diplomatic and ASEAN channels. Cross-Border Trade: Thailand and Laos discussed a single customs and immigration inspection checkpoint to streamline cross-border trade and improve connectivity. Infrastructure for Connectivity: Laos is finalising land compensation rates for the Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway, with meetings held across route districts as the project moves toward payouts. Economy & Markets: Vietnam plans further capital-market reforms to mobilise medium- and long-term funding for double-digit growth, including a market upgrade to secondary emerging status. Sports: Laos-linked coverage also appears in regional Asian Games results, including Laos athletes facing Japan in judo events. Public Interest: A Lao Gold Festival in Vientiane reported strong gold purchases and deposits, reinforcing gold’s role as a safe investment for consumers.