Zhang Meifang
@CGMeifangZhangThe Chinese Navy's Liaoning and Shandong carrier groups have successfully completed their far-sea combat-oriented training and returned to their homeports.
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China’s Liaoning and Shandong Carriers End Western Pacific Combat Drills
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14 posts • OpenAI (o3)
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The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy said its two operational aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have returned to their home ports after completing a far-sea combat-oriented training mission in the Western Pacific. The deployment, confirmed on 30 June, is only the second publicly disclosed dual-carrier operation by China’s navy.
According to the navy’s statement, the carrier strike groups conducted joint drills that included reconnaissance and early warning, anti-strike operations, maritime assault, air-and-missile defense and day-and-night tactical flights of J-15 fighters. For the first time Beijing disclosed that the two formations acted as opposing forces, a tactic aimed at stress-testing command and control and broadening the navy’s operational reach.
The PLA said foreign warships and aircraft made several close-in reconnaissance attempts during the exercises; the Chinese groups responded by launching carrier-based sorties while remaining on high alert. Japan’s Ministry of Defense, which tracked the deployment in June, earlier reported that a fighter launched from Shandong flew within about 45 metres (150 feet) of a Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol plane, underscoring regional tensions.
Chinese officials described the drills as routine and in line with the annual training plan, but analysts say the extended dual-carrier operation underlines Beijing’s drive to expand the range and sophistication of its maritime power projection.
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Zhang Meifang
@CGMeifangZhangLiaoning and Shandong carrier groups successfully completed far-sea combat-oriented training& returned to home ports. During the mission, the two groups conducted joint drills on maritime strikes& integrated long-range support, thus significantly enhanced real combat capabilitie
Beijing Review
@BeijingReviewChina's naval formations of two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have completed their far-sea combat-oriented training and safely returned to their home ports, according to the Chinese navy on Jun 30.
Story Timeline
•Latest version
China's Liaoning and Shandong Carrier Groups Complete Far-Sea Combat Training Amid Foreign Reconnaissance; USS George Washington Visits Philippines
China’s Liaoning and Shandong Carriers End Western Pacific Combat Drills
China's PLA Navy Completes Far-Sea Combat Training in Western Pacific With Liaoning and Shandong Carrier Groups
•Original version
China’s Liaoning and Shandong Carrier Groups Complete Western Pacific Training as J-20 and J-16 Jets Intercept Foreign Aircraft
