CHINA / MILITARY
China's aircraft carrier Shandong spotted near Philippines amid tensions
By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan
Published: Jun 30, 2024 06:19 PM Updated: Jun 30, 2024 06:50 PM
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The picture shows aircraft carrier Shandong berths at a naval port in Sanya. China's first domestically-made aircraft carrier Shandong (Hull 17) was officially commissioned to the PLA Navy at a military port in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, on the afternoon of December 17, 2019, making China one of the few countries in the world that have multiple carriers. Photo:China Military
China's aircraft carrier Shandong was recently spotted sailing near the Philippines in a move media said serves as a deterrence against continuous Philippine provocations on Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea.
The aircraft carrier is likely on a scheduled exercise that could also prepare it for a potential far seas voyage into the West Pacific, Chinese experts said on Sunday.
Citing commercial satellite images, Hong Kong news outlet the Singtao Daily and media on the island of Taiwan reported on Saturday that the aircraft carrier Shandong of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently arrived in waters about 200 nautical miles away from Luzon Island, the Philippines.
At a time when the tensions persist between China and the Philippines over islands and reefs in the South China Sea, China's first deployment of an aircraft carrier to waters near the Philippines aims to deter, media said.
Previous media reports suggest that the PLA has already sent major surface combat ships including Type 055 large destroyers and Type 052D destroyers, as well as main amphibious vessels such as a Type 075 amphibious assault ship and a Type 071 amphibious landing ship to the South China Sea.
It is completely normal that the aircraft carrier Shandong conducts training exercises in the South China Sea, because only through training can the carrier gain combat capabilities, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday.
To the Philippines that has been conducting infringing provocations, these forces will naturally become a deterrence, as the Chinese military will resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, Zhang said.
Media reports said that the aircraft carrier Shandong's main mission is likely not the Philippines, but a far seas voyage beyond the first island chain into the West Pacific, because China does not need to deploy an aircraft carrier amid the ongoing tension with the Philippines.
Another Chinese military expert, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times on Sunday that the aircraft carrier Shandong conducted multiple far seas exercises beyond the first island chain last year, so it will likely also hold similar drills this year.
It is normal that it makes preparation trainings in the South China Sea before sailing to more distant waters, the above-quoted expert said.
Yeah, you think Chinese carrier group is scared of Filipino's Brahmos, and American carrier is nowhere to be seen.These are very vulnerable navy assets, during the peace time - it's okay but crunch time will be in safe zones
These are very vulnerable navy assets, during the peace time - it's okay but crunch time will be in safe zones
American have 5 airbases and 4 Naval bases in Philippines. Chinese won't even know what, hit them. They don't necessarily need an aircraft carrier to defend Philippines.200 nm, very close to the shore of Filipin, giving an unmistakable threatening message now to the Pinoys for their long time provocations to Chinese islands or reefs in SCS.
Lol, why then didn't the American missiles hit Chinese Coast Guards when they fought and arrested the Filipino navy special force couple weeks ago in SCS, after all they have mutual defense treaty. Nobody worship their masters the way you Indians do with the Yankees.American have 5 airbases and 4 Naval bases in Philippines. Chinese won't even know what, hit them. They don't necessarily need an aircraft carrier to defend Philippines.
Chinese aircraft carrier won't even get to know, what hit them, if this muscle flexing were to ever go south.
Yeah mostly.The same is valid for all aircraft carriers
Then, why your India is building more carriers ?Yeah mostly.
They are almost useless against supersonic and hypersonic missiles.
But having the safety distance and supporting by group of ships, will increase the survival chances but roaming near the islands, as Chinese aircraft did, less than 10-20% for survival
Then, why your India is building more carriers ?
So, Chinese carrier is in no way afraid of Filipin.As I said earlier, crunch time - will be operating from safe distance.
Example - Indian aircrafts carriers not being patrol near by Chinese lands or Pakistani lands, it will be have bigger role by operating safe distance from the enemy lands.
Because it's a peacefull time - why to afraid?So, Chinese carrier is in no way afraid of Filipin.
Stupid childish questions with no critical thinking on your part.Lol, why then didn't the American missiles hit Chinese Coast Guards when they fought and arrested the Filipino navy special force couple weeks ago in SCS, after all they have mutual defense treaty. Nobody worship their masters the way you Indians do with the Yankees.