China's aircraft carrier conducts combat drills with full battle group in South China Sea amid Taiwan tensions
The Hindu
The Shandong — China's second aircraft carrier and the first domestically built — recently held comprehensive drills in the South China Sea in a group consisting of full combat elements
A Chinese aircraft carrier, which raised eyebrows by undergoing overhaul and upgrades just over two years after its launch, held combat drills in the South China Sea with its full battle group, consisting of a flotilla of naval ships, including a nuclear submarine, as Beijing ratcheted tensions over Taiwan.
The Shandong — the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's second aircraft carrier and the first domestically built — recently held comprehensive drills in the South China Sea in a group consisting of full combat elements, which analysts said showed that the carrier is becoming ready for far sea operations, state-run Global Times reported on Friday.
Shandong conducted realistic combat-oriented exercises in an undisclosed area in the South China Sea in early autumn to comprehensively test the force's combat capabilities, the report said, quoted a PLA South Sea Fleet press note released on Wednesday.
During the drills, the Shandong hosted take-off and landing operations of J-15 carrier-based fighter jets, and practised replenishment-at-sea operations, the press note said.
A video attached to the press note showed that the aircraft carrier manoeuvred in a combat group featuring a Type 055 large destroyer, a Type 052D destroyer, a Type 054A frigate and a Type 901 comprehensive supply ship.
Generally speaking, a nuclear-powered attack submarine would also be part of an aircraft carrier group, the report quoted a defence expert as saying.
Shandong’s drills in the South China Sea with full complement of its combat group comes at a time when China has ratcheted its military drills near Taiwan after the recent visit of U. S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the highest-level visit by a U. S. official in 25 years, sparking off tensions in the region.
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan granted bail in graft case, but remains in prison with multiple charges pending.
Australia’s communications minister introduced a world-first law into Parliament to ban children younger than 16 from social media.
Florida man arrested for plotting to bomb New York Stock Exchange to "reboot" U.S. government, detained for trial.
Apple asked a federal judge to dismiss the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust case against the iPhone maker.
The Sri Lankan parliamentary elections have, more or less, cleansed the 225-member Parliament, purging the country’s arrogant old guard
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
Trump appoints Whitaker as NATO ambassador despite lack of foreign policy experience, raising concerns about U.S. representation within alliance.
U.N. Security Council votes 14-1 for ceasefire resolution, U.S. veto prevents adoption due to hostage release demand.
Bangladesh interim government cancels passports of 22 security officials under investigation for abductions during previous presidency.
U.S. policy shift allowing Kyiv to use ATACMS missiles sparks furious response from Moscow, risking major war.
Taliban authorities are removing "un-Islamic" and anti-government literature from circulation by checking imported books and distributing lists of banned titles.