China's Two Aircraft Carriers Conduct First Joint Exercise... Pressure on Taiwan

Simultaneous Training of Liaoning and Shandong Carriers... Showcasing Operational Capabilities with Fighter Jets
Taiwan Conducts Air Defense Missile Launch Drill with 'Tiangong-3', Taiwan's Version of THAAD

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Two aircraft carriers owned by the Chinese military have simultaneously entered training. The joint training of the two aircraft carriers appears to be aimed at Taiwan.

The Taiwanese military is reportedly scheduled to conduct a launch training of the 'Tiangong-3 (天弓三型)' air defense missile, known as Taiwan's version of THAAD, in the early hours of the 10th.

China's state-run Global Times reported on the 7th that China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, departed from the Qingdao base in Shandong Province and began training on the 5th.

China's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning. (Photo by Baidu)

The Global Times also reported that China's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, had already set sail prior to this. The newspaper stated that this is the first time the Chinese military has conducted simultaneous training with its two aircraft carriers.

The Global Times added that Chinese military authorities have not yet officially disclosed the simultaneous departure of the two aircraft carriers or the nature of their mission.

The Global Times cited a Chinese military expert who said that showcasing the ability to operate two aircraft carriers simultaneously not only demonstrates capability but also allows for training to improve the efficiency of the fighter jets deployed on the carriers.

Regarding the simultaneous training of the two aircraft carriers, Chinese naval expert Li Ze said, "The two aircraft carriers can pressure Taiwan Island from different directions," adding, "Chinese aircraft carriers will be a core force in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Indian Ocean."

In preparation for the Chinese navy's aircraft carrier training, the Taiwanese military is also reportedly preparing to conduct launch training of the 'Tiangong-3 (天弓三型)' air defense missile, known as Taiwan's version of THAAD.

Huanqiu Shibao reported on the same day that the Taiwanese military plans to conduct Tiangong-3 launch training on the 9th and in the early hours of the 10th. However, Huanqiu Shibao noted that it has not yet been confirmed whether the Taiwanese military will actually launch missiles or only conduct launch procedure drills.

Regarding the Tiangong-3 launch training, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, reiterated, "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China," and warned, "If there is any armed provocation, the Chinese People's Liberation Army will take necessary measures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.