Chinese Aircraft Carrier Liaoning Conducts Drills Near Japan
The Liaoning's recent naval exercises have prompted discussions on maritime activities in the Western Pacific.
The aircraft carrier _Liaoning_ of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, along with several guided-missile destroyers and frigates, has been observed conducting military exercises in the Western Pacific.
This activity unfolded on Tuesday, when Japan reported the presence of the _Liaoning_ transiting through the Miyako Strait, located to the south of Japan's main islands.
The exercises reportedly included takeoff and landing operations by fighter jets and helicopters aboard the _Liaoning_.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed Japan's concerns, urging a balanced view of Chinese naval operations.
She stated that the activities of China's military vessels are in accordance with international law and practices.
Japan's Ministry of Defense initially reported the sighting of a group of five PLA Navy ships, which included the _Liaoning_, as well as two Type 052D guided missile destroyers and two Type 054A frigates, operating approximately 200 kilometers north of Huangwei Yu, an islet in the disputed Diaoyu Dao area.
Subsequent updates from the Japanese Ministry of Defense indicated that the PLA Navy group, including the _Liaoning_, had engaged in approximately 90 takeoff and landing operations for fighter jets and 30 for helicopters while operating in the East China Sea over the weekend.
The flotilla then proceeded into the Pacific Ocean through the waters between Okinawa and the Miyako islands.
This movement was accompanied by the entry of a Type 055 large destroyer into the group.
Reports from the PLA Daily prior to the Japanese disclosures confirmed that the _Liaoning_ had been involved in damage control exercises, although specific details on these activities were not provided.
Military analysts indicate that such exercises are part of the regular training regimen for aircraft carriers, which typically involves a combination of maintenance, training drills, and operational readiness.
The frequency of these drills is expected to rise as China's aircraft carrier capabilities continue to expand, with military experts noting that aircraft carriers are essential assets for projecting naval power in distant waters.
The _Liaoning_, commissioned in 2012, serves as China's first aircraft carrier and has been pivotal in demonstrating the evolving maritime strategy of the Chinese military.
This activity unfolded on Tuesday, when Japan reported the presence of the _Liaoning_ transiting through the Miyako Strait, located to the south of Japan's main islands.
The exercises reportedly included takeoff and landing operations by fighter jets and helicopters aboard the _Liaoning_.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning addressed Japan's concerns, urging a balanced view of Chinese naval operations.
She stated that the activities of China's military vessels are in accordance with international law and practices.
Japan's Ministry of Defense initially reported the sighting of a group of five PLA Navy ships, which included the _Liaoning_, as well as two Type 052D guided missile destroyers and two Type 054A frigates, operating approximately 200 kilometers north of Huangwei Yu, an islet in the disputed Diaoyu Dao area.
Subsequent updates from the Japanese Ministry of Defense indicated that the PLA Navy group, including the _Liaoning_, had engaged in approximately 90 takeoff and landing operations for fighter jets and 30 for helicopters while operating in the East China Sea over the weekend.
The flotilla then proceeded into the Pacific Ocean through the waters between Okinawa and the Miyako islands.
This movement was accompanied by the entry of a Type 055 large destroyer into the group.
Reports from the PLA Daily prior to the Japanese disclosures confirmed that the _Liaoning_ had been involved in damage control exercises, although specific details on these activities were not provided.
Military analysts indicate that such exercises are part of the regular training regimen for aircraft carriers, which typically involves a combination of maintenance, training drills, and operational readiness.
The frequency of these drills is expected to rise as China's aircraft carrier capabilities continue to expand, with military experts noting that aircraft carriers are essential assets for projecting naval power in distant waters.
The _Liaoning_, commissioned in 2012, serves as China's first aircraft carrier and has been pivotal in demonstrating the evolving maritime strategy of the Chinese military.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
