Chinese media has published footage from a naval exercise where Shandong and Liaoning carriers' carrier strike groups joined.
The carriers participating in combat training were accompanied by Type 052 and 051 air defence destroyers and J-15 carrier-based fighters.
China is expanding its fleet in terms of both destroyers and force projection platforms like aircraft carriers or LHDs.
While the construction of Type 052 destroyers continues, the country's first EMALS catapult-fitted aircraft carrier, Type 003 Fujian, was launched and is continuing its tests.
In addition to Fujian, China is developing the Type 076 LHD with an EMALS catapult to launch UCAVs. The design stands out in terms of broader aviation capabilities than conventional LHD designs.
The exercise, coupled with the buildup of force projection capability in the PLAN, can be regarded as a display of power against Taiwan and other U.S.-allied parties in the region.
Beyond the exercises, the Chinese Coast Guard has often been spotted harassing Philippine fishing vessels beyond its borders in 2024. The Coast Guard serves as another important component of the Chinese presence, with large ships used against civilian vessels as a means of psychological warfare in addition to its main mission of patrolling Chinese waters.
China Conducts Naval Exercise with Two Aircraft Carriers
