China Deploys Aircraft Carrier Group Into Western Pacific Waters

China deployed its Liaoning aircraft carrier group into the western Pacific as US and Japanese forces prepare for drills.

China dispatched the Liaoning aircraft carrier group into the western Pacific for its second training deployment of the year. The naval maneuvers coincide with preparations by the United States and Japan for expanded joint missile drills. Beijing stated that the realistic exercises are not directed at any specific target.

• The contextThe deployment coincides with upcoming joint missile exercises involving the armed forces of the United States and Japan.
• The official stanceBeijing maintained that the naval drills are realistic in nature and not directed against any particular country.