BEIJING (AP) – Chinese aircraft carrier group Liaoning has embarked on a “realistic combat” training mission in the western Pacific Ocean, the Chinese navy said Tuesday.
In a post on its social media site, the Navy said the mission is routine, abides by all international laws and practices and is “not targeting third parties.”
However, the mission underscores the growing role of China’s naval forces as Beijing seeks to supplant the US as the preeminent military power in Asia.
China operates the world’s largest navy in terms of number of ships, while the US maintains a lead in aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, as well as in number of bases and allies in the region, where competition is centered on the strategically vital South China Sea.
The Liaoning was originally purchased as a hull from Ukraine and completely renovated. China has since added a second all-home-built airline, the Shandong, and at least two others are believed to be in the works.
Practicing under realistic war conditions has become a focus of the Chinese military in recent years, in clear recognition of its lack of combat experience going back four decades.
