China sends carrier Liaoning into western Pacific drills
The Chinese navy said the Liaoning, one of its three carriers, is conducting an annual training exercise, as Japan and the US prepare Keen Sword maneuvers.
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What happened
China sent its aircraft carrier Liaoning, one of its three carriers, to the western Pacific for an exercise the Chinese navy described as part of an annual routine training plan. The carrier was later spotted off Japan's Okinawa and was operating in the Philippine Sea, where it launched and recovered aircraft, according to a Japanese Joint Staff Office. The drills coincide with planned US and Japanese Keen Sword 27 maneuvers scheduled for October 19 to 29.
Why it matters
Beijing said the exercises are not directed against any specific country or target, but Japan is expected to be watching closely. The timing could overlap with the expanded Keen Sword exercise involving 57,000 troops near Taiwan.
Timeline
- Oct 14, 1:47 AM ET: The Chinese navy said it had sent the Liaoning to the Western Pacific for an exercise under an annual routine training plan.
- Oct 14, 7:15 AM ET: The Liaoning was spotted off Japan's Okinawa.
- Oct 14, 1:41 PM ET: The Liaoning strike group was reported operating in the Philippine Sea, about 155 miles south of Japan's Ishigaki Island, launching and recovering aircraft.
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