China’s Type 054B frigate makes carrier force debut with Liaoning for live-fire drills

AI Summary

The Chinese PLA launched live-fire drills in the Pacific east of the Philippines involving the aircraft carrier Liaoning and the Type 054B frigate. This military exercise represents China's expanding naval reach and strategic presence in contested waters near Okinotorishima.

Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and its strike group are holding a live-fire exercise in the Pacific east of the Philippines, following one of its longest deployments in the South China Sea. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Kuznetsov-class carrier, along with at least four escorts, was spotted on Monday about 880km (547 miles) southwest of Okinotorishima, Japan’s southernmost point, according to a statement from the Japanese defence ministry. On Tuesday, carrier-based fighter aircraft and...