Japan's defence ministry reported a Chinese People's Liberation Army vessel conducted a live-fire drill within Japan's claimed Exclusive Economic Zone near Okinotori Island, alongside a Russian navy ship. China's foreign ministry firmly refuted these claims as "groundless."
China's Liaoning carrier group and Anhui amphibious assault ship sailed into the Western Pacific for drills, signaling an accelerated build-up of "blue-water joint operational capability" and "area denial/anti-access" strategies. The exercises, timed near Taiwan's presidential inauguration anniversary and following high-level international meetings, aim to exert political pressure and demonstrate a shift from "near-sea defense" to "blue-water offense and defense."
The Sanya naval complex, including Yulin Naval Base, is a key Chinese military facility. It hosts the carrier Shandong and is strategically important due to its location in the first island chain, facing US and allied pressure.
The Sanya naval complex, featuring Yulin Naval Base and hosting China's second carrier Shandong, is strategically vital due to its location in the first island chain, facing US and allied pressure. Qingdao is the homeport for the Liaoning and the North Sea Fleet.
China's J-35 stealth fighter may soon be operational on all three of its aircraft carriers, a development that experts say would significantly enhance the PLA Navy's combat capabilities. Currently, only the most advanced carrier, the Fujian, can host the J-35 due to its electromagnetic catapult system. However, recent state media hints suggest upgrades to the Liaoning and Shandong carriers may allow them to operate the J-35.
The Chinese military aired footage over the weekend of YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile launches, as joint US-Philippines-Japan drills heighten tensions in the disputed South China Sea. China Military Bugle posted a video of PLA Navy conducting strike tests, including multiple YJ-20 launches, two days after Beijing said a naval fleet led by Type 055 destroyer Zunyi had conducted live-fire drills east of Luzon.
