The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced on Wednesday the deployment of the Shandong aircraft carrier task group in military drills east of the island of Taiwan. Coordinated with naval and air units, these exercises are set to enhance the PLA’s operational capabilities.
Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the command, stated that the drills include vessel-aircraft coordination, seizure of area air superiority, and strikes on ground and maritime targets. The exercises aim to evaluate the troops’ capabilities in integrated operations both inside and outside the island chain, multi-dimensional blockade and control, and joint operations among multiple services.
The deployment of the Shandong aircraft carrier, China’s first domestically built carrier, underscores the PLA’s commitment to strengthening its maritime forces. The drills are part of routine training to safeguard national sovereignty and regional stability.
