The Shandong aircraft carrier, as seen in a photograph at a naval port in Sanya, recently completed an annual training mission. A spokesperson from China's Defense Ministry stated that this mission was designed to improve combat capabilities and was not aimed at any specific nation. This statement came in response to reports suggesting the carrier's presence near the Philippines during a US-Philippine exercise.
Chinese military experts have noted that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is conducting increasingly frequent and intensive training exercises involving aircraft carriers. The primary goal of these exercises is to safeguard China's security and national interests.
Addressing reports of the Shandong's presence near the Philippines, the Defense Ministry spokesperson clarified that the carrier group was engaged in its annual training mission. This mission served to assess and enhance the group's overall combat capabilities. The spokesperson emphasized that the training adhered to international law and standard practices, and was not directed at any particular country or target.
The spokesperson also addressed the actions of certain individuals in the Philippines, accusing them of collaborating with external forces, including the US, to destabilize the South China Sea region and even meddle in the Taiwan question. China issued a stern warning to the Philippines, urging them to cease provocations and respect China's core interests. China vowed to take decisive action to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
The recent training mission of the Shandong marked its second major publicly announced activity within a month. Earlier, on April 2, the PLA Eastern Theater Command deployed the Shandong task group, along with naval and air units, for military drills east of Taiwan. These exercises focused on vessel-aircraft coordination, air superiority, and strikes on ground and maritime targets. The drills aimed to evaluate the troops' integrated operational capabilities, including multi-dimensional blockade and control, and joint operations across multiple services.
Military affairs experts have highlighted that it is now routine for Chinese aircraft carriers to conduct training exercises in both near and distant waters. These missions are becoming more frequent in areas such as the South China Sea and waters east of Taiwan, with the aim of strengthening China's ability to defend its national security and interests. Experts also emphasized that aircraft carriers should be regularly deployed for training and alert duties, and the public should become accustomed to their presence in various areas.
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