HONG KONG – China’s aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out dual aircraft carrier formation exercises for the first time in the South China Sea, a move that sets China’s navy up for more diverse and complex missions.

       China is in disputes with several of its neighbours over its extensive claims of territorial waters in the South China Sea.

       During the training, the formation moved to the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea before returning home safely, according to a post on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s official Weibo account.

       “In the South China Sea, the Liaoning and Shandong ship formations conducted a dual carrier formation exercise for the first time to hone and improve the combat capability of the aircraft carrier formation system,” it said.

       Exercises with two aircraft carriers and their associated support vessels require a high level of operational flexibility and showcase the ability to deploy and sustain extensive air and sea power, providing a powerful deterrent to potential adversaries.

       The PLA Navy operates the Liaoning and the Shandong as its two active aircraft carriers. China’s third carrier, the Fujian, was unveiled in June 2022. It is still undertaking sea trials and is not yet operational. REUTERS