The deployment occurs as the United States and Japan begin the Keen Sword 27 military exercise on Oct 19, involving activities across Japan's southwestern islands. Beijing describes the drills as routine training not directed at any particular country. While Japan reported no violation of its territorial airspace, the operations demonstrate China's capacity for naval aviation activities beyond the first island chain.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Chinese Carrier Liaoning Conducts Philippine Sea Drills Before Keen Sword 27
Geopolitics6 days ago
Japan's Joint Staff Office monitored an aircraft carrier group from the People's Liberation Army Navy moving between Okinawa and Miyako Island on Oct 13 and 14. The carrier Liaoning conducted fighter jet launch and recovery operations approximately 250 km south of Ishigaki Island in the Philippine Sea, escorted by two Type 055 Renhai-class destroyers and one Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyer. Tokyo responded by scrambling fighter jets and deploying the destroyer JS Yugiri along with P-1 and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft.
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