China's PLA Navy has deployed a task group led by the Liaoning aircraft carrier to the western Pacific for routine training exercises that include live-fire drills and tactical flights.
The PLA Navy announced the deployment on Tuesday, stating that the training aims to test and enhance combat capabilities. Exercises will cover long-range sea-based tactical flights, live firing, support operations, and integrated search and rescue.
The navy described the activity as a routine drill aligned with its annual plan and in full compliance with international law. It did not specify the exact location or duration of the current exercises.
The Liaoning group has been conducting flight training east of the Miyako Strait. China notified Japan in advance, though Tokyo raised concerns over insufficient details in the notice. Reports noted a prior incident in December when Chinese J-15 fighters locked radar on Japanese F-15 jets near Okinawa.
