Military exercises with combat focus in the Pacific Ocean by China's aircraft carriers.
In a significant development, China has recently conducted comprehensive combat training activities on the high seas involving its two operational aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong. These exercises mark a historic milestone as the carriers have operated simultaneously and ventured beyond the so-called "second island chain," a strategic maritime boundary in the Western Pacific.
For the first time, both the Liaoning and Shandong carrier strike groups have carried out exercises in the Western Pacific concurrently. This joint deployment showcases China's enhanced capability to project naval power. The Liaoning was sighted around 300 km southwest of Minamitori Island, Japan’s easternmost territory, while the Shandong was spotted about 500 km southwest of Iwo Jima and north of Okinotori, within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. These locations lie beyond the second island chain, farther east than Guam — the most fortified US military base in the region — signifying a strategic advance for China.
During the training, the carrier groups performed takeoff and landing operations of jet fighters and helicopters, maritime patrols, simulated attacks on foreign aircraft and ships, and monitoring activities. The Liaoning was also reported operating its ship-borne air wings during these drills.
Both carriers were escorted by sizable warships and supply vessels, forming the most powerful maritime strike forces China has deployed thus far. This highlights a substantial increase in naval capability and operational confidence on the high seas.
Japan's Ministry of Defense closely monitored these movements and publicly reported the carriers’ presence near its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone. The maneuvers have raised concerns in Japan, particularly as the Chinese carriers operate near the Ogasawara Islands and Okinotorishima, both Japanese territories.
The training included joint combat and systems training, reconnaissance, early warning, anti-strike, sea assault, air defence, and night flight training. Foreign warships and aircraft approached the Liaoning and Shandong carrier formations several times during the training for reconnaissance, tracking, and surveillance. An incident occurred when Chinese fighters flew within 45 meters of a Japanese military patrol plane, an incident disputed by Chinese officials.
Despite Beijing's claims of peaceful intentions, China has invested billions of dollars in modernizing its military in recent years, causing concern among some East Asian governments. The Communist Party of China has not ruled out using force to seize control of Taiwan, a democratic, self-ruled island that Beijing claims is part of its territory.
The PLA's handling of affairs during the training was professional and steady. Navy personnel were observed watching through binoculars during the training, and state broadcaster CCTV published a video of warplanes taking off from one of the carriers. The training was routine and organized in accordance with annual plans.
China's naval expansion and increased military presence in the Pacific are being closely watched by regional actors such as the US, South Korea, and Taiwan. As these developments continue to unfold, it is essential to maintain a vigilant and informed stance regarding regional security dynamics.
- The joint deployment of China's Liaoning and Shandong carrier strike groups in the Western Pacific, as part of the recent combat training activities, reflects China's growing influence in the aerospace industry and general news, signifying a significant stride in finance and politics.
- The escalating tensions in war-and-conflicts are exemplified by the Chinese carriers' operations near Japanese territories, such as the Ogasawara Islands and Okinotorishima, leading to concerns about potential military conflicts in the region.
- The simulations of attacks on foreign aircraft and ships during China's training exercises underscore the country's readiness to engage in complex naval operations, potentially increasing the economic reliance on finance and politics as well as the intensity of general news reporting in the aerospace industry.
