The Chinese Navy has executed its first dual aircraft carrier drills in the South China Sea with the Liaoning and Shandong, aimed at improving combat capabilities. Military experts highlight the exceptional strategic advantages of this formation, which enhances air power and operational effectiveness. The drills demonstrate China’s growing naval strength and strategic intent in regional waters.

The Chinese Navy has successfully conducted its first dual aircraft carrier drills in the South China Sea, as demonstrated in a report by state television that featured the aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong operating in unison. The exercises aimed at enhancing what military analysts refer to as ‘systematic combat capability.’ Military expert and former People’s Liberation Army (PLA) instructor, Song Zhongping, emphasized the strategic advantage of combining forces, stating that the dual carrier formation presents a significant ‘force multiplier effect’. He explained that the effectiveness of aircraft carriers fundamentally correlates to their aircraft count, asserting that the combined air power of Liaoning and Shandong surpasses that of several small to medium-sized military forces. Furthermore, Song highlighted the distinct early warning systems and various supporting destroyers and frigates associated with each carrier, which collectively enhance their diverse capabilities in air defense, anti-submarine operations, and anti-ship tactics. He concluded by noting, ‘It is not merely a case of one plus one is greater than two; it is far greater than that,’ reiterating the efficacy of these two aircraft carriers operating in tandem. Prior to these drills, the Liaoning group had been actively engaged in maneuvers across the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea before returning to its home port located in Qingdao on China’s eastern seaboard.

The South China Sea has long been a focal point for military exercises among surrounding nations, particularly due to its strategic and economic significance. The enhancement of naval capabilities through the operation of aircraft carriers is crucial for asserting maritime power. The People’s Liberation Army Navy has been developing its capabilities with an emphasis on joint operations and the integration of various military assets. The exercise involving the Liaoning and Shandong not only showcases China’s growing naval prowess but also reflects a strategic intent to demonstrate capability in regional waters, particularly as it relates to territorial disputes and regional security dynamics.

The recent dual aircraft carrier drills conducted by the Chinese Navy mark a significant advancement in the capability and preparedness of the country’s maritime forces. By successfully integrating the operations of Liaoning and Shandong, China demonstrates its commitment to enhancing its naval strategy and operational effectiveness in contested waters. The comments made by military experts underline the potential advantages this formation presents, suggesting a shift in the balance of naval power in the region. This development warrants continued observation as it could have profound implications for regional security.

Original Source: www.scmp.com

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