China has taken its aircraft carriers to sea for the first time in history: The Telegraph
For the first time in history, China put all its aircraft carriers to sea at the same time, which demonstrates the country’s capabilities in the event of, for example, a military conflict with Taiwan. About this informs The Telegraph.
According to the publication, last weekend all three Chinese aircraft carriers — the former Soviet Liaoning, the Chinese-built Shandong and the newest Fujian — were in the open sea.
“Fujian” is undergoing trials in the Yellow Sea, while “Shandong” and an escort patrol in the South China Sea west of Taiwan. Meanwhile, the Liaoning, also accompanied by escort vessels, is in the Philippine Sea to the east of the island. Although the Fujian has not yet entered service, its inclusion in the fleet would make China the second largest aircraft carrier in the world, ahead of the British and Indian navies.
However, China is still far behind the United States in terms of the number and size of its aircraft carriers. “Liaoning” and “Shandong” have a displacement of about 60,000 tons each, and “Fujian” – about 70,000 tons. This is less than the American aircraft carriers, and only the Fujian is equipped with catapults to launch the J-15 fighters and the promising J-35 with full combat weight.
According to The Telegraph, such a simultaneous departure of all three aircraft carriers into the sea could be an alarming signal for Taiwan, as it demonstrates China’s readiness for a possible military escalation.
Earlier this year, Taiwan, concerned about the growing threat from the PRC, announced military exercises close to real combat conditions. For the first time, night maneuvers will be included in the training program, which is an unusual practice for the Taiwanese army.
