China's Aircraft Carrier Shandong Training Revealed... Repeated Pressure on Taiwan

Nuclear-Powered Submarine Appears to Join Chinese Carrier Strike Group... Shandong Conducts Blue-Water Operations
China States Military Actions Aim to Punish Taiwan Separatism and External Forces

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy has released recent training footage of the aircraft carrier Shandong, pressuring the United States and Taiwan.

The state-run Global Times, citing the People's Liberation Army's announcement, reported that the Shandong conducted live-fire training recently in the South China Sea while escorted by destroyers. The outlet emphasized that China's second aircraft carrier, Shandong, is prepared for operations in the open ocean and mentioned a nuclear-powered submarine as part of the carrier strike group.

The People's Liberation Army Navy stated that the Shandong carried out takeoff and landing training for its carrier-based J-15 aircraft while being escorted by a Type 055 large destroyer, a Type 052D Aegis destroyer, and a Type 054A frigate in the South China Sea.

Additionally, a 50,000-ton Type 901 replenishment ship supported the Shandong, demonstrating the carrier's capability to operate in the open ocean, according to the PLA Navy's self-assessment. They added that this training helped form the actual appearance of a carrier strike group.

Regarding the carrier strike group, the Global Times quoted military experts saying that the group includes a nuclear-powered submarine. This is the first time a nuclear submarine has been mentioned in connection with the Shandong's live-fire training.

Currently, China is reported to possess six nuclear submarines, including two Type 093 and four Type 093A vessels, with four additional Type 093B submarines under construction. The specifications of China's nuclear submarines remain undisclosed.

Since the PLA Navy mentioned the Shandong's open ocean operations, it is presumed that a nuclear submarine has joined the carrier strike group.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense criticized Japan for following the United States and exaggerating China's military threat in response to Western concerns about China's military exercises near Taiwan, calling it irresponsible and urging an end to slandering China. At the same time, it emphasized that China will firmly respond to Taiwan separatist activities and that its military exercises (operations) aim to deter and punish interference by Taiwan separatists and external forces (the United States).

Meanwhile, with visits to Taiwan by U.S. political figures continuing, including Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn's visit on the night of the 25th, China's live military exercises in the Taiwan Strait are expected to continue for the time being. Following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on the 2nd, five members of Congress, including Senator Ed Markey, visited on the 14th, and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb visited on the 21st.

In particular, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who took a hard line against China during President Donald Trump's administration, is scheduled to visit Taiwan on the 27th of next month, which is expected to prompt a strong response from China. Pompeo is one of the U.S. political figures banned from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

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