China's Carrier Strike Groups Return After Western Pacific Drills

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has announced the return of its two carrier strike groups to their home ports following extensive training operations in the Western Pacific. These groups, spearheaded by the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong aircraft carriers, engaged in "realistic and systemic" combat training exercises.

The exercises involved collaboration with other branches of the PLA, including mock battles. Units participated in a range of activities, such as early-warning, reconnaissance, air and missile defense, fighter deployments, and assaults against sea targets. The dual-carrier mission allowed the strike groups to refine their tactics and enhance the skills of their crews, ultimately boosting their combat readiness.

During the training, the Chinese vessels encountered foreign warships and aircraft that conducted close-range reconnaissance and surveillance. The strike groups maintained a high state of alert and were prepared to address potential threats. They deployed carrier-based fighters to establish security perimeters, managing various scenarios with professionalism and effectiveness.

This exercise marked the second instance of both of the PLAN's carrier strike groups participating in a joint operation. The first occurred in October, when they conducted a joint combat exercise in the South China Sea. A PLAN spokesman stated that these operations are part of routine training, designed to improve the units' ability to fulfill their duties and are in accordance with international law and standard naval practices.

The PLAN currently operates two aircraft carriers, the CNS Liaoning and the CNS Shandong. Both vessels have a standard displacement of approximately 50,000 metric tons, utilize conventional propulsion, and employ a ski jump system for launching J-15 fighter jets. China has also constructed a third aircraft carrier, the CNS Fujian, which is the largest warship ever built by an Asian nation and the largest non-American aircraft carrier in the world.