Liaoning aircraft carrier squadron begins live-fire drills in the East Sea
China's aircraft carrier and escort ships conducted their first major drills in the South China Sea, while US warships also entered the area.
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Chinese fighters on the deck of the Liaoning aircraft carrier. Photo:SCMP. |
The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted a week-long live-fire exercise in the South China Sea on April 5 with the participation of the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group, according toSCMP.
A spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the Liaoning aircraft carrier played a leading role in the large-scale exercise, but said it was a "routine" activity, "in line with Beijing's defensive military policy" and "does not pose a threat to other countries."
China's Ministry of National Defense did not disclose the location of the drills. Satellite images earlier showed the Liaoning and its escorts off the coast of Hainan Island.
Military analysts said the exercise, involving the Liaoning aircraft carrier and more than 40 escort ships from the North Sea, East Sea and South Sea fleets, was a show of China's military power in response to the US's increasing military presence in the region.
The exercise took place in the context of the Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group ofAmerica has justended the visit to Singapore and entered the East Sea.
Hong Kong media said that this aircraft carrier group will conduct exercises in the East Sea or nearby areas.
