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Economic Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
China's dual aircraft carrier drills in Pacific rattle US and Japan
TIL Creatives Two Chinese aircraft carriers seen in Pacific for first time, Japan says (image for reference) In an escalating display of military might and maritime ambition, China for the first time deployed two aircraft carriers—the Liaoning and the Shandong —in extensive, coordinated drills well beyond its coastal waters. The rare show of synchronized naval power sent shockwaves through Japan and the United States, heightening tensions in a region already teetering under geopolitical June 2025, Japanese defense officials tracked both carriers conducting exercises east of Iwo Jima, about 1,200 kilometers south of Tokyo and roughly equidistant from the strategic U.S. base in Guam. The carriers were accompanied by an array of escorts, and their forces executed over 1,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings over the course of weeks, a much higher tempo than previously seen. While the Liaoning sailed close to Japan's exclusive economic zone near isolated islands such as Minamitorishima, both carriers remained in international waters. For Tokyo and Washington, this marked a clear effort by Beijing to test boundaries and assert operational capabilities well beyond China's immediate periphery. 'This is the first time China has demonstrated its ability to operate two carriers simultaneously beyond the first island chain,' said Christopher Sharman, China Maritime Studies Institute Director at the U.S. Naval War College. 'It's a glimpse into their ambitions for a blue-water navy.' Military analysts and regional observers interpret the Chinese maneuvers as a calculated message. While the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has previously conducted drills near Taiwan and within the South China Sea, operating two carriers so far from the mainland demonstrates both growing confidence and capability. Narushige Michishita, a strategist at Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, warned of the implications for Taiwan: 'Chinese aircraft carriers could be key in enforcing a blockade on Taiwan or deterring foreign intervention. These vessels are not just status symbols—they're instruments of coercion.' The fact that these drills occurred near Guam, a linchpin U.S. military hub, and Iwo Jima—where Japan and the U.S. fought a pivotal WWII battle—only adds to the compared numerically, China's carrier fleet still lags behind the United States. However, the progress is palpable, and narrowing the capability gap remains a clear focus for of 2025, China operates three aircraft carriers: Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian. The Chinese carriers are mainly diesel-powered, although the newest ship, Fujian, features the advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).The United States deploys a fleet of 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including the renowned Nimitz and Ford classes. When it comes to onboard aircraft capacity, Chinese carriers like the Shandong can accommodate up to 36 aircraft, while American carriers can launch and recover more than 60 aircraft each. In terms of operational experience, China has accumulated over a decade of carrier operations, whereas the United States boasts more than 70 years of expertise in operating these powerful naval assets. China's newest carrier, the Fujian , is undergoing sea trials and is expected to join the fleet by late 2025. It represents China's leap toward modern aviation capabilities, featuring electromagnetic catapults (EMALS)—a tech the U.S. only recently deployed on its Ford-class carriers. Amid the dual-carrier drills, Japanese defense officials raised concerns over airspace violations. Chinese fighters flew provocative maneuvers near Japanese reconnaissance aircraft. In multiple instances, these intercepts came within dangerously close range. Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized, 'China's actions are escalating the security situation in the Indo-Pacific. We view these exercises as part of a larger pattern of coercion.' As a response, Japan has been bolstering its coastal defenses, expanding military bases on remote islands, and integrating more closely with U.S. forces under its revised national defense United States, whose Indo-Pacific Command oversees military operations spanning Japan, Guam, the Philippines, and beyond, is closely watching these developments. The Pentagon emphasized that this marks a growing shift in China's global military outlook. The US Navy, while maintaining superior aircraft carrier tech and global logistics, must now contend with a Chinese navy that is both growing and increasingly active in contested maritime zones. The drills are not just about hardware or pilot training—they signal China's vision for itself on the world stage. Global military planners have long watched China's carrier program as a benchmark of how far it wants to go. Now, the message is clear: Beijing intends to rival—even challenge—the free operations of U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific. 'Politically, aircraft carriers are the ultimate status symbols,' says Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at RAND Corporation. 'China's leadership values them as tools of prestige, deterrence, and regional dominance.' For Japan, the U.S., and other Indo-Pacific democracies, the clock is ticking to ensure their strategic advantage holds.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
China's dual aircraft carrier drills in Pacific rattle US and Japan
In an escalating display of military might and maritime ambition, China for the first time deployed two aircraft carriers—the Liaoning and the Shandong —in extensive, coordinated drills well beyond its coastal waters. The rare show of synchronized naval power sent shockwaves through Japan and the United States, heightening tensions in a region already teetering under geopolitical pressure. In June 2025, Japanese defense officials tracked both carriers conducting exercises east of Iwo Jima, about 1,200 kilometers south of Tokyo and roughly equidistant from the strategic U.S. base in Guam. The carriers were accompanied by an array of escorts, and their forces executed over 1,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings over the course of weeks, a much higher tempo than previously seen. 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For Tokyo and Washington, this marked a clear effort by Beijing to test boundaries and assert operational capabilities well beyond China's immediate periphery. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Senior Living Homes in Bayanan May Surprise You Senior Living | Search Ads Undo 'This is the first time China has demonstrated its ability to operate two carriers simultaneously beyond the first island chain,' said Christopher Sharman, China Maritime Studies Institute Director at the U.S. Naval War College. 'It's a glimpse into their ambitions for a blue-water navy.' A strategic power play Military analysts and regional observers interpret the Chinese maneuvers as a calculated message. While the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has previously conducted drills near Taiwan and within the South China Sea, operating two carriers so far from the mainland demonstrates both growing confidence and capability. Live Events Narushige Michishita, a strategist at Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, warned of the implications for Taiwan: 'Chinese aircraft carriers could be key in enforcing a blockade on Taiwan or deterring foreign intervention. These vessels are not just status symbols—they're instruments of coercion.' The fact that these drills occurred near Guam, a linchpin U.S. military hub, and Iwo Jima—where Japan and the U.S. fought a pivotal WWII battle—only adds to the symbolism. Naval might When compared numerically, China's carrier fleet still lags behind the United States. However, the progress is palpable, and narrowing the capability gap remains a clear focus for Beijing. As of 2025, China operates three aircraft carriers: Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian. The Chinese carriers are mainly diesel-powered, although the newest ship, Fujian, features the advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). The United States deploys a fleet of 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, including the renowned Nimitz and Ford classes. When it comes to onboard aircraft capacity, Chinese carriers like the Shandong can accommodate up to 36 aircraft, while American carriers can launch and recover more than 60 aircraft each. In terms of operational experience, China has accumulated over a decade of carrier operations, whereas the United States boasts more than 70 years of expertise in operating these powerful naval assets. China's newest carrier, the Fujian , is undergoing sea trials and is expected to join the fleet by late 2025. It represents China's leap toward modern aviation capabilities, featuring electromagnetic catapults (EMALS)—a tech the U.S. only recently deployed on its Ford-class carriers. Dangerously close encounters Amid the dual-carrier drills, Japanese defense officials raised concerns over airspace violations. Chinese fighters flew provocative maneuvers near Japanese reconnaissance aircraft. In multiple instances, these intercepts came within dangerously close range. Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized, 'China's actions are escalating the security situation in the Indo-Pacific. We view these exercises as part of a larger pattern of coercion.' As a response, Japan has been bolstering its coastal defenses, expanding military bases on remote islands, and integrating more closely with U.S. forces under its revised national defense strategy. Washington on alert The United States, whose Indo-Pacific Command oversees military operations spanning Japan, Guam, the Philippines, and beyond, is closely watching these developments. The Pentagon emphasized that this marks a growing shift in China's global military outlook. The US Navy , while maintaining superior aircraft carrier tech and global logistics, must now contend with a Chinese navy that is both growing and increasingly active in contested maritime zones. What this means for the region The drills are not just about hardware or pilot training—they signal China's vision for itself on the world stage. Global military planners have long watched China's carrier program as a benchmark of how far it wants to go. Now, the message is clear: Beijing intends to rival—even challenge—the free operations of U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific. 'Politically, aircraft carriers are the ultimate status symbols,' says Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at RAND Corporation. 'China's leadership values them as tools of prestige, deterrence, and regional dominance.' For Japan, the U.S., and other Indo-Pacific democracies, the clock is ticking to ensure their strategic advantage holds.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Student accused of ‘damaging national dignity' over sex with foreigner
A Chinese university has announced the expulsion of a female student for "damaging national dignity" due to her relationship with a foreign man. Dalian Polytechnic University said the student violated a rule against "improper interactions with foreigners" and published her full name. The decision has sparked widespread debate on Chinese social media platforms, with many questioning the university's authority and accusing it of misogyny. The student has been linked to videos posted by Ukrainian gamer Danylo Teslenko, which showed him being intimate with a young woman. State-run media has criticised the university for publishing the student's name, suggesting it is inappropriate and may violate personal information protection laws.
Yomiuri Shimbun
a day ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Chinese Navy Aircraft Conducted Exercises to Intercept U.S. Carrier
Two Chinese Navy aircraft carriers deployed to the Pacific Ocean around Japan and other areas in June had been conducting drills to intercept a U.S. carrier strike group, it has been learned. Several Japanese government officials revealed this information. Chinese military forces apparently divided themselves into U.S. and Chinese military roles during the drills to mimic the navigational methods employed by U.S. aircraft carriers. The Japanese government has analyzed that the Chinese military is enhancing its capacity to prevent U.S. military intervention in the event of a conflict in Taiwan. According to the Defense Ministry's Joint Staff Office, the Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong have been deployed simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean around Japan since late May. From May 25 to June 19, fighter jets and helicopters aboard the Liaoning and Shandong made a total of 1,050 landings and takeoffs while the two naval vessels were sailing in the waters near islands including Okinawa, Okinotorishima and Minami-Torishima. Drills simulating carrier interceptions were conducted for about a week starting around June 7. The Liaoning departed westward from within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Minami-Torishima Island around June 7. Over the course of several days, it crossed the so-called second island chain —China's defense line connecting the Ogasawara Islands to Guam, where U.S. military bases are located — and then proceeded toward China. Meanwhile, the Shandong moved eastward from the south of Okinawa Island to intercept the Liaoning. Analysts concluded that the Liaoning was acting as a U.S. aircraft carrier. It is believed that U.S. aircraft carriers have a rule to maintain a certain distance from Chinese aircraft carriers to prevent skirmishes. According to a source close to the matter, the Liaoning moved to maintain a distance of about 500 nautical miles (about 930 kilometers) when approaching the Shandong. It is highly likely that the Chinese military was acting in accordance with U.S. regulations and imitating the movements of a U.S. aircraft carrier before entering a state of war. At the end of June, China's national defense ministry announced that the Liaoning and Shandong had conducted drills in the western Pacific Ocean, training to engage with each other in realistic countermeasures. The statement is consistent with the Japanese government's analysis. On June 7 and 8, a Chinese vessel-based fighter jet abnormally approached a Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol aircraft while it was monitoring a Chinese aircraft carrier. This was likely an attempt to pressure the Japanese side to abandon surveillance and prevent them from obtaining information about the drills. The Chinese military is developing the so-called A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) strategy to prevent U.S. military operations inside the second island chain and prevent U.S. forces from entering the so-called first island chain, connecting the Nansei Islands and the Philippines. A Self-Defense Forces personnel noted that the deployment of the two Chinese aircraft carriers may have been part of a move to materialize this strategy.
The Standard
2 days ago
- General
- The Standard
Chinese university expels female student after relationship with a foreigner
FILE- An aerial view shows the central area in Dalian, China, in 2006. (Kyodo News via AP)
