US Absence Leads to Chinese Liaoning Carrier Training in the Pacific

Liaoning Conducts Tactical Training in the Pacific, Shandong Moves to the South China Sea
Chinese State Media Anticipate Shuttle Training of J-15 Fighters on Both Carriers

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China's state-run Xinhua News Agency and Global Times reported on the 22nd that China's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, passed through the Miyako Strait and entered the Pacific Ocean.

Photo by Global Times capture

Chinese media explained that a total of five ships are escorting the Liaoning: one Type 055 large destroyer, one Type 052D destroyer, two Type 054A frigates, and one supply ship. They also reported that the Liaoning is currently conducting takeoff and landing training with J-15 fighter jets. Additionally, Z-18 anti-submarine helicopters and Z-9 small attack helicopters are conducting simultaneous training.

Chinese military expert Song Zhongping evaluated, "The Miyako Strait is a strategic gateway for China to reach the Pacific," adding that the Liaoning demonstrates the capability to operate far from the mainland. He also explained that it is an important potential battlefield that the Chinese fleet could face if foreign fleets such as the United States interfere in the Taiwan issue.

Regarding the Liaoning's Pacific training, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that while U.S. aircraft carriers and other warships have returned to nearby bases for Christmas and New Year holidays, the Chinese carrier strike group passed through the Miyako Strait and is conducting training in the Pacific. The U.S. Ronald Reagan is currently reported to be docked at Yokosuka Port in Japan.

The greatest interest of Chinese media is the joint military training between the Liaoning and Shandong carriers. Until now, the Liaoning and Shandong have not conducted joint training in surrounding waters such as the South China Sea.

Xinhua News Agency reported that the Liaoning is moving south and may conduct joint military training with the Shandong in the South China Sea. If the two aircraft carriers conduct military training together, shuttle bombing by fighter jets is possible. J-15 fighters launched from the Liaoning can attack targets and then land on the Shandong, and conversely, fighters taking off from the Shandong can complete their missions and land on the Liaoning. In this case, the operational radius and combat effectiveness are greatly enhanced, Xinhua quoted military experts as saying.

Xinhua News Agency also reported that rumors circulated in September 2020 and April this year about joint training by China's two aircraft carriers, but in reality, the two carriers did not conduct joint training. At that time, unlike the Liaoning, the Shandong had not been in service long enough to develop combat efficiency, so joint training was not possible, it added.

Chinese military expert Wei Dongxu said, "Joint military training of the two carriers in waters such as the South China Sea is not far off," and predicted that the two carrier fleets will meet soon.