US Ally Issues Update on China's Double Aircraft Carrier Moves in Pacific
The Chinese military has concluded its unprecedented dual aircraft carrier deployment in the broader western Pacific, as one of the warships was spotted leaving the region, Japan has said.
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email.
The Chinese navy is the world's largest by hull count, enabling the East Asian power to steadily expand its military reach and presence within and beyond the western Pacific, challenging U.S. naval dominance as well as the security of America's allies and partners.
Both of China's aircraft carriers in active service-CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong-have been operating simultaneously in waters east of the First Island Chain, a U.S. maritime defensive line formed by Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, for the first time since June 7.
This rare Chinese naval operation, closely monitored by Japan-a U.S. treaty ally-comes as the U.S. redeploys one of its two aircraft carriers, USS Nimitz, to the Middle East from the western Pacific, in response to rising tensions stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict.
The Japanese Defense Ministry issued another update on the Chinese dual aircraft carrier deployment on Friday, revealing that the Liaoning and its naval task group returned to the East China Sea from the Philippine Sea after transiting the Miyako Strait that same day.
Meanwhile, the Shandong-led naval task group continued operating in waters east of the northern Philippines from Tuesday to Thursday. It remains unclear whether this Chinese flotilla will return to the western side of the First Island Chain by transiting the Luzon Strait.
Both waterways-located along the First Island Chain-are key gateways for China's naval operations in the broader western Pacific. The Miyako Strait lies in Japan's southwestern waters, while the Luzon Strait separates Taiwan to the north and the Philippines to the south.
With regard to the Chinese aircraft carriers' flight operations involving fighter jets and helicopters, the Liaoning conducted 150 takeoffs and landings from Tuesday to Thursday, while the Shandong executed 120 takeoffs and landings during the same three-day period.
The Liaoning, underway in the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea since May 25, has performed a total of 700 aircraft takeoffs and landings. Meanwhile, the Shandong has conducted 350 takeoffs and landings since June 9, according to Japan's Defense Ministry.
In total, fighter jets and helicopters from the Chinese aircraft carriers executed over 1,000 takeoffs and landings during this western Pacific deployment, which lasted nearly a month.
Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said in a statement on June 13: "China's carrier training was conducted in international waters, was not directed at any specific country or target, and fully complied with international law and international practice."
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on June 10: "Let me reiterate that Chinese naval vessels' activities in those waters are fully consistent with international law and international practices. Our national defense policy is defensive in nature. We hope Japan will view those activities objectively and rationally."
The objectives of this Chinese dual aircraft carrier deployment remain to be seen. It is unclear whether the U.S. will enhance its naval presence in the western Pacific.
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Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Global Times: Grassroots organizations in China witness more participation, harness new technologies in remarkable bird conservation efforts
BEIJING, June 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At 5:30 am, the mudflats at the mouth of the Liao River in Northeast China's Liaoning Province are still shrouded in mist. Jiang Shui, now 63 years old, stuffs his binoculars, water bottle, and dry food into his backpack, hops on his bicycle, and heads off with his water fork, rubber boat, and other tools for a special task - dismantling bird nets. Jiang meets with other team members of a 'flying squad' to begin their patrol. This is just another ordinary day for the volunteers at the Saunders' Gull Conservation Society (SGCS), China's first environmental NGO based in Panjin, Liaoning Province, operating with dedication for 34 years. Located in Panjin, this area is home to the world's largest reed coastal wetland, marking the southernmost limit of red-crowned crane breeding and is also the largest breeding ground for the Saunders's gull, according to information provided by the SGCS. The actions of the SGCS are part of a nationwide bird conservation campaign that the country is conducting for ecological preservation. China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) recently held a special meeting to launch nationwide bird protection activities, including assisting relevant departments in crackdowns on illegal hunting and the trade of birds, and launching ecological civilization awareness campaigns. Bird protection is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. The Party and government leaders attach great importance to bird conservation and have issued several critical instructions, emphasizing the importance of 'implementation,' read an announcement on the website of the NFGA. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China's migratory bird protection efforts have achieved remarkable results in recent years. Awareness of biodiversity and bird protection has significantly improved across society, with a growing number of volunteers actively participating in bird protection activities. A shared mission Under the leadership of its president, 74-year-old Liu Detian, a 'flying squad' and key organizations within the SGCS have become tenacious ecological sentinels. According to Liu, the 'flying squad' was initially a local mountaineering and cycling team. 'They often found bird nets during their activities and would rescue trapped birds. In 2014, we officially incorporated them into the association to form a professional migratory bird protection team. Their primary mission is patrolling and quickly rescuing injured birds,' Liu said. As president, Liu also participates in patrols. He explains that the team packs dry food and water but returns daily - no overnight stays. Dressed for hiking, sometimes with volunteer vests, they wear windproof gear, goggles, and gloves. Departures vary by season, often before dawn to arrive at daybreak. Five years ago, Jiang retired from a state-owned enterprise and joined the squad. 'The Panjin wetlands are abundant with bird resources. I love birds and find this work to be very meaningful.' 'The frequency of activities varies; sometimes we go several times a week, sometimes just once a week. We have a group, and whenever someone initiates an activity, we go together to patrol the wetlands and clear bird nets,' he told the Global Times. Jiang vividly remembers each time he and his team members fulfilled the mission of rescuing precious birds. He narrated stories about escorting an injured Saunders's gull to Tangshan in Hebei Province for treatment despite a 600-kilometer one-way trip during heavy rains, and a near-death yellow-legged gull having its head stuck in the mud while fishing. 'I could tell you stories until midnight,' he said. Since its establishment, the flying squad has tirelessly patrolled the wetlands, dismantled over 70 bird nets and rescued more than 300 trapped birds. The SGCS now has 40,000 volunteers. Though winters in Liaoning are harsh, and migratory birds migrate south, it's not off-season for the squad and the SGCS, as they shift their focus to habitat protection. 'Compared to poaching, wetland development is far more destructive. Poaching might harm dozens of birds, but the development of a wetland for other uses can destroy the habitat of thousands of birds,' Liu explained. The SGCS also works closely with local government. In 2010, a 300,000-acre wetland development project quietly started during the Chinese New Year. However, SGCS volunteers noticed this project and immediately reported to local authorities. 'We contacted the head of the Ecology and Environment Bureau of Panjin and invited the media to the site. The bureau chief asked, 'Did you conduct an environmental impact assessment?' When the developers admitted they had not, the project was halted immediately,' Liu recalled. Liu shared that after more than 30 years of consistent teamwork, Saunders's gull conservation efforts have yielded remarkable results. In 2006, Panjin was awarded the 'Hometown of the Saunders's Gulls' title by the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Meanwhile, other regions in China have also achieved success in protecting Saunders's gulls. For instance, the population of Saunders's gulls in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in East China's Shandong Province, increased from 2,800 in 2013 to 8,676 in 2020, making it one of the largest breeding grounds for the species in China, according to CCTV. Embracing new technologies In addition to traditional methods like patrols and net dismantling, new technologies are incorporated into China's bird protection. 'In recent bird protection projects, we installed monitoring equipment that allows for 24-hour monitoring from up to 100 kilometers away. This system enables us to fully observe the process from egg-laying and incubation to the fledging of chicks, and intervene as needed,' said Liu. The solution to the problem of oriental white storks nesting on high-voltage transmission towers was largely made possible by new technology. Oriental white storks, which are under national first-class protection, nest on high-voltage transmission towers due to a lack of tall trees. Now artificial nests can be built to attract the storks to move away from the power towers, according to Liu. Meanwhile, using drones for patrols, Internet Protocol technology, and remote monitoring, the efficiency of bird protection and addressing of the human-bird conflict have significantly improved. Many regions in China are advancing the use of new technologies to support bird conservation. At Poyang Lake in East China's Jiangxi Province, a smart management platform integrates high-definition cameras, sensors, and AI recognition, while drones are employed for efficient patrols and aerial monitoring across the entire area. Water levels are scientifically regulated using algorithmic predictions to optimize habitats. In Dianchi Lake, Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, a combination of fixed cameras, drone patrols, and acoustic monitoring is utilized. These technologies effectively address the spatial and temporal limitations and manpower shortages of traditional monitoring methods, read an article on People's Daily. In addition to actively promoting new technologies, China has long been committed to raising public awareness in bird conservation. Since the beginning of this year, the NFGA has guided localities in organizing themed awareness campaigns such as 'Bird-Loving Week' during the migratory seasons. These activities have attracted over 14 million participants, both online and offline, significantly enhancing public awareness, according to the NFGA. 'Thirty years ago, some still saw bird protection as 'an unimportant task,' but today, the situation has changed. Conservation work is highly respected across all sectors of society, and people are willing to lend a hand,' Liu added. An expanding network In recent years, many self-organized bird protectors have emerged in China. For example, in Changde, Central China's Hunan Province, farmer Nie Luomin has been working in environmental protection and fighting illegal poaching for over a decade, and was recognized as an outstanding bird protection volunteer by the China Foundation for Rural Development, reported local media outlet Changde Daily. In Tianjin, photographer Wang Jianmin has been observing and protecting oriental storks for years, witnessing the changes in this precious species, The Paper reported. In Liu's opinion, grassroots bird conservation efforts in China have undergone profound changes in the past decade. A notable feature is the significant increase in participation. 'Not only has our local rescue network flourished, but new conservation organizations have sprung up across the country, like mushrooms after rain.' More importantly, a close network of connections has been established between conservation organizations nationwide. 'This connection goes beyond just information sharing; it has promoted frequent technical exchanges. Cross-regional collaboration is more than just technical support; it is key to spreading advanced conservation ideas.' Behind all this is a remarkable rise in the public awareness of environmental protection and bird conservation. The societal atmosphere of protection formed across the nation has been a crucial factor in the growth of rare bird populations, Liu emphasized. According to the People's Daily, in 2024, the number of overwintering waterfowl in China reached its highest recorded figure. However, illegal hunting and trade of birds and other wildlife species continue to occur in some areas, posing a threat to the safety of bird populations and other wildlife. Since the beginning of this year, the NFGA has continuously strengthened the protection of bird habitats and the monitoring of overwintering waterfowl, as well as deploying law enforcement and regulatory oversight to protect migratory birds during their migration. The administration has led 11 departments in a joint operation aimed at combating illegal wildlife trade. Nationwide, 3,917 cases involving the destruction of bird and wildlife resources have been investigated, with 265 criminal groups dismantled, effectively deterring illegal activities. About 810,000 individuals have participated in patrolling key areas, removing 14,000 bird nets, according to the NFGA. Looking ahead, the NFGA said it will issue a notice to further deepen bird protection activities, holding all parties accountable through enhanced law enforcement, improved monitoring networks, and increased public education efforts. The momentum of volunteer protection efforts has never slowed down, and it continues to radiate new energy. Jiang has observed that many passionate young people are joining the 'flying squad' and other conservation activities. These young volunteers are not only full of energy but also demonstrate a strong interest in systematic bird research and scientific protection methods. Looking toward the future, the association has developed a clear blueprint for growth. Liu shared their plans, which include establishing larger environmental education bases to attract more people, especially young people, to come and experience ecological conservation. 'Now, the birds in Panjin are no longer afraid of humans; they even approach people on the streets. One day, there will no longer be a need for a 'flying squad' across the country because everyone will already be a member,' Liu said. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
2 hours ago
Ukraine loses F-16 fighter amid massed Russian drone, missile attack
LONDON -- Russia launched 537 drones and missiles into Ukraine overnight into Sunday morning, according to Ukraine's air force, with a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet and its pilot also reported lost during efforts to repel the attack. Ukraine's air force wrote on Telegram that Russia launched 477 drones and 60 missiles at targets across the country overnight. Saturday night's attack was one of -- if not the -- largest of Moscow's war to date. The air force said 436 drones and 38 missiles were downed by air defenses, with the help of U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets whose pilots shot down "dozens" of attack drones. "The work of Ukrainian fighters is extremely dangerous," it said. Among the pilots was Lt. Col. Maksym Ustimenko, the air force said, who shot down seven targets before his F-16 was damaged during an attempt to down an eighth. "His plane was damaged and began to lose altitude," the air force said. Ustimenko, it added, guided the plane away from residential areas on the ground but "did not have time to eject." Russian drone or missile impacts were recorded in six locations, the air force said, with falling debris reported in eight locations. Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command said in a post to X that the Russian strikes prompted Polish and allied aircraft to be scrambled. The command said it "activated all available forces and resources at his disposal, the duty fighter pairs have been scrambled and the ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest state of readiness. The steps taken are aimed at ensuring security in the areas bordering the threatened areas." Two hours later, the command said in a statement that the forces were stood down "due to the reduced level of threat of Russian air strikes." Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces shot down three Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a residential building in the town of Smila, close to the central city of Cherkasy, was among those hit by drones, with one child injured. Zelenskyy also said he had ordered an investigation into Ustimenko's death, adding "Ukrainian aviation heroically defends the sky. Thank you to everyone who defends Ukraine." "Moscow will not stop as long as it is able to deliver massive strikes," the president continued. " Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said, "decided long ago that he would continue to fight despite the world's calls for peace. We need to end the war, we need pressure on the aggressor, we need protection." "Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense," he said. "These are American systems that we are ready to buy. We count on the leadership, political will and support of the United States, Europe and all our partners."
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Trump Threatens Primary Challenge Against Tillis Over Bill Vote
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump issued a scathing rebuke of Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina on Truth Social Saturday, threatening to support primary challengers against the two-term senator over his opposition to his "Big Beautiful" spending bill. The confrontation came as Senate leaders vote, scrambling to secure enough Republican support for the party-line legislation they hope to deliver to Trump's desk by July 4. Newsweek reached out to the White House and Tillis' office via email on Saturday for comment. Why It Matters Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" represents his signature domestic policy initiative, combining massive tax cuts with significant spending on border security and defense while implementing substantial cuts to social safety net programs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which is nonpartisan, estimates the House's version would add $2.4 trillion to the nation's deficit over the next decade, though Republicans dispute this calculation. The bill's passage would fundamentally reshape federal spending priorities and tax policy, affecting millions of Americans across income levels. The standoff highlights growing tensions within the Republican Party between Trump's demands for loyalty and senators' concerns about policy specifics affecting their home states. With Tillis facing reelection in 2026, Trump's primary threat carries significant weight in a state the president won in three presidential elections. What To Know Vice President JD Vance arrived at the Capitol after 8 p.m. to potentially break a tie vote, but the bill's fate remained uncertain as multiple GOP senators defected from party leadership. Tillis joined Wisconsin's Ron Johnson and Kentucky's Rand Paul in voting "no," while three additional Republican holdouts—Utah's Mike Lee, Wyoming's Cynthia Lummis, and Florida's Rick Scott—continued negotiations with leadership. Lee and Scott raised concerns about insufficient spending cuts and deficit reduction measures. Lee notably dropped a provision to sell public lands from the bill amid intraparty opposition. Tillis cited concerns about Medicaid cuts that would cost North Carolina "tens of billions of dollars in lost funding" and force the state to eliminate coverage for hundreds of thousands of residents. The senator called for adopting the House's "less drastic approach to Medicaid" and insisted he "cannot support this bill in its current form." The prolonged vote has featured intense behind-the-scenes negotiations, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Majority Whip John Barrasso, and other senior Republicans meeting with holdouts. Alaska's Lisa Murkowski also created suspense by withholding her vote for nearly an hour before ultimately supporting the measure after securing concessions for her state. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump on Truth Social on Saturday: "Looks like Senator Thom Tillis, as usual, wants to tell the Nation that he's giving them a 68% Tax Increase, as opposed to the Biggest Tax Cut in American History! At the same time, he is unable to understand the importance of a Debt Extension, which Republicans gave to the Democrats just prior to the November 5th Election, because of its significance, and how important it was for the future of the U.S.A. Sadly, the Democrat Politicians probably won't reciprocate on a Debt Extension because they're nasty people who actually hate our Country. Tillis is also willing to throw the very important Tobacco Industry in North Carolina, "out the window," for reasons nobody seems to understand. He loves China made windmills that will cost a fortune, ruin the landscape, and produce the most expensive Energy on Earth." He continued: "I can't believe that the Great People of North Carolina, a State that I love and won all three times, and a State that I just brought back with money, blood, sweat, and tears, from the recent tragic floods, when Sleepy Joe Biden let them DROWN, right up until the end of that Administration, without doing anything — I was given an A+ Rating for the job we did in bringing it back, and Tillis, despite being a Republican, was MISSING IN ACTION — North Carolina will not allow one of their Senators to GRANDSTAND in order to get some publicity for himself, for a possible, but very difficult Re-Election. America wants Reduced Taxes, including NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME, AND NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY, Interest Deductions on Cars, Border Security, a Strong Military, and a Bill which is GREAT for our Farmers, Manufacturers and, Employment, in general. Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!" Trump later posted on Truth Social: "Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against "Senator Thom" Tillis. I will be meeting with them over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina and, so importantly, the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter." Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said in a statement on Saturday: I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians, and I cannot support this bill in its current form." He added: "It would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities. This will force the state to make painful decisions like eliminating Medicaid coverage for hundreds of thousands in the expansion population, and even reducing critical services for those in the traditional Medicaid population." U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) arrives for a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on May 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) arrives for a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on May 06, 2025 in Washington, Happens Next Trump indicated he will meet with potential primary challengers to Tillis "over the coming weeks, looking for someone who will properly represent the Great People of North Carolina." Senate leadership faces the immediate challenge of securing additional votes to pass the megabill, with the July 4 deadline approaching rapidly.
