Latest news with #CNSLiaoning
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Satellite Imagery Captures Chinese Aircraft Carrier in Contested Waters
Satellite imagery appears to have captured a Chinese aircraft carrier transiting waters near the Philippines and Taiwan-both allies and partners of the United States-in the Pacific. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry confirmed to local media that the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning was off Taiwan's southeast coast. Newsweek has reached out to both the Chinese Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for comment by email. The Liaoning has been underway since leaving its home port on China's Yellow Sea coast over the weekend. It sailed southward into the East China Sea, later transiting the Miyako Strait near Japan's southwestern islands, and arrived in the Philippine Sea on Tuesday. The aircraft carrier is part of China's naval fleet of more than 370 vessels, the largest in the world by hull count. China has been employing its navy to further expand its military reach and presence, challenging America's naval dominance in the Pacific Ocean. Facing China's rapid naval buildup, the U.S. aims to restrict the East Asian power's access to the broader Pacific Ocean in a future conflict by using the so-called First Island Chain-a maritime containment strategy involving U.S.-aligned Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. Damien Symon, an open-source intelligence expert, posted a satellite image on X (formerly Twitter) showing the Liaoning underway in the Philippine Sea, approximately 430 nautical miles (494 miles) southeast of Taiwan, accompanied by two escorting ships on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a Chinese military observer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, told Newsweek that satellite imagery indicated the Liaoning-led naval task group was 290 kilometers (180 miles) northeast of the Philippines' Luzon Island on Wednesday. It remains unclear whether the Chinese navy had dispatched the aircraft carrier and its strike group for exercises in the western Pacific Ocean. Taiwanese media have claimed that the Chinese military may be about to conduct drills in waters east of Taiwan starting on Friday. While the Liaoning-China's first operational aircraft carrier-was underway, the country's second aircraft carrier, CNS Shandong, has yet to return to its home port on Hainan Island in the South China Sea since leaving around Monday, according to another satellite image. Taiwan Security Monitor, a research initiative at George Mason University in Virginia, wrote in a post on X that both of the Chinese commissioned aircraft carriers are now at sea. The dual Chinese aircraft carrier deployment comes as two American carriers were reported to be underway simultaneously in the western Pacific Ocean. USS Nimitz was operating in the South China Sea, while its sister ship, USS George Washington, was operating near Japan. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday: "What I can tell you is that China's military vessels' activities in relevant waters are fully consistent with international law and international practice." Colonel Su Tung-wei, deputy head of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry's General Staff Operations and Planning Department, said on Wednesday: "We will also react accordingly to safeguard national security." The Pentagon's Chinese military power report 2024 wrote: "The [People's Republic of China] is in the beginning stages of operating its 'multi-carrier force.'" It was not immediately clear whether the two Chinese aircraft carriers would conduct joint operations in either the South China Sea or the Philippine Sea to stage a show of force. Related Articles Marco Rubio Announces New Plan to Revoke Chinese Student VisasChina's Military Presence Grows on Doorstep of New U.S. PartnerU.S. Ally Looks to Buy Chinese J-35 Stealth JetsNew Chinese Military Technology Could Defeat Trump's 'Golden Dome' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Imagery Captures Chinese Aircraft Carrier in Contested Waters
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Satellite imagery appears to have captured a Chinese aircraft carrier transiting waters near the Philippines and Taiwan—both allies and partners of the United States—in the Pacific. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry confirmed to local media that the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning was off Taiwan's southeast coast. Newsweek has reached out to both the Chinese Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for comment by email. Why It Matters The Liaoning has been underway since leaving its home port on China's Yellow Sea coast over the weekend. It sailed southward into the East China Sea, later transiting the Miyako Strait near Japan's southwestern islands, and arrived in the Philippine Sea on Tuesday. The aircraft carrier is part of China's naval fleet of more than 370 vessels, the largest in the world by hull count. China has been employing its navy to further expand its military reach and presence, challenging America's naval dominance in the Pacific Ocean. The Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning, front, sails with other ships during a drill in the East China Sea in April 2018. The Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning, front, sails with other ships during a drill in the East China Sea in April 2018. AFP via Getty Images Facing China's rapid naval buildup, the U.S. aims to restrict the East Asian power's access to the broader Pacific Ocean in a future conflict by using the so-called First Island Chain—a maritime containment strategy involving U.S.-aligned Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. What To Know Damien Symon, an open-source intelligence expert, posted a satellite image on X (formerly Twitter) showing the Liaoning underway in the Philippine Sea, approximately 430 nautical miles (494 miles) southeast of Taiwan, accompanied by two escorting ships on Wednesday. Chinese navy aircraft carrier Liaoning CV-16 was operating approx. 430-Nautical miles south east of Taiwan in the Pacific Ocean as of 2025-05-28 02:21:52 UTC — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 28, 2025 Meanwhile, a Chinese military observer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic, told Newsweek that satellite imagery indicated the Liaoning-led naval task group was 290 kilometers (180 miles) northeast of the Philippines' Luzon Island on Wednesday. It remains unclear whether the Chinese navy had dispatched the aircraft carrier and its strike group for exercises in the western Pacific Ocean. Taiwanese media have claimed that the Chinese military may be about to conduct drills in waters east of Taiwan starting on Friday. While the Liaoning—China's first operational aircraft carrier—was underway, the country's second aircraft carrier, CNS Shandong, has yet to return to its home port on Hainan Island in the South China Sea since leaving around Monday, according to another satellite image. Taiwan Security Monitor, a research initiative at George Mason University in Virginia, wrote in a post on X that both of the Chinese commissioned aircraft carriers are now at sea. #LandSat9 imagery from this morning confirms that PLAN CNS "Shandong" has not returned to base after departure around 5/26. Its current location is not clear. Both of the PLAN's commissioned carriers are now at sea, with CNS "Liaoning" spotted operating SE of Taiwan by… — Taiwan Security Monitor (@TaiwanMonitor) May 28, 2025 The dual Chinese aircraft carrier deployment comes as two American carriers were reported to be underway simultaneously in the western Pacific Ocean. USS Nimitz was operating in the South China Sea, while its sister ship, USS George Washington, was operating near Japan. What People Are Saying Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday: "What I can tell you is that China's military vessels' activities in relevant waters are fully consistent with international law and international practice." Colonel Su Tung-wei, deputy head of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry's General Staff Operations and Planning Department, said on Wednesday: "We will also react accordingly to safeguard national security." The Pentagon's Chinese military power report 2024 wrote: "The [People's Republic of China] is in the beginning stages of operating its 'multi-carrier force.'" What Happens Next It was not immediately clear whether the two Chinese aircraft carriers would conduct joint operations in either the South China Sea or the Philippine Sea to stage a show of force.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Tests US Ally in Disputed Waters
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. South Korea—a United States ally in Northeast Asia—has voiced its concerns over China's unilateral declaration of "no-sail zones" in the disputed waters between the two countries. Newsweek has emailed the Chinese and South Korean foreign ministries for comment. Why It Matters Newsweek previously reported that China declared three zones banning the entry of ships within the Yellow Sea's Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ), an area established under a 2000 agreement where the Chinese and South Korean Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) overlap. These Chinese "no-sail zones" have been in effect since Thursday and are scheduled to end on Tuesday. Two were designated for military exercises, while no reason was assigned for the third—located entirely in South Korea's EEZ—although ships were still prohibited from entering it. This comes as China has installed three structures in the PMZ, which South Korea fears could mark the beginning of Chinese territorial expansion. Beijing is also being accused of "militarizing" the Yellow Sea by maintaining a persistent naval presence there. What To Know Citing a text message from an official at the South Korean Foreign Ministry, the country's Yonhap News Agency reported on Saturday that Seoul has conveyed its concerns to Beijing over a Chinese "no-sail zone" in the PMZ through unspecified diplomatic channels. It was not immediately clear which of the Chinese "no-sail zones" Seoul was referring to. While the South Korean official admitted that both nations are permitted to carry out military drills in the PMZ, he claimed that China's move "excessively" limited freedom of navigation. The South Korean military also told Yonhap News Agency that it was "closely" monitoring a series of moves by China in the PMZ, while adding that it could not make representations regarding military activities carried out by China or other countries in international waters. The report also noted that South Korea, which has often conducted war games with the U.S., previously declared a "no-sail zone" in the same waters for drills, setting a precedent. Chinese J-15 fighter jets are seen on the deck of the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning during military drills in the Yellow Sea on December 23, 2016. Chinese J-15 fighter jets are seen on the deck of the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning during military drills in the Yellow Sea on December 23, 2016. STR/AFP via Getty Images Meanwhile, the Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning has arrived in waters near Japan's southwestern islands after a southward voyage from its home port on China's Yellow Sea coast over the weekend. It remains unclear whether the ship transited the "no-sail zones." What People Are Saying A South Korean Foreign Ministry official said: "The [South Korean] government will continue to actively respond in close cooperation with related ministries to ensure that our legitimate rights and interests are not violated." Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, previously said in translated comments provided by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "I would like to point out that what China set up in the provisional measures zone (PMZ) are the aquaculture facilities. And relevant activities of China are consistent with China's domestic law and international law." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether South Korea will enhance its naval presence in the PMZ or conduct any exercises to assert its EEZ in response to China's "no-sail zones."
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Satellite Photos Capture China Expanding Strategic Aircraft Carrier Base
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Open-source satellite imagery appears to show that China is expanding one of its naval bases that hosts an aircraft carrier, as it seeks to challenge United States naval dominance. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters China has the largest navy in the world by hull count, according to a Pentagon assessment. China has a fleet of more than 370 ships and submarines, which includes two aircraft carriers in active service. The United States possesses 11 operational aircraft carriers. In this image provided by the Chinese military on October 31, 2024, China's navy conducts dual aircraft carrier operations in the South China Sea, involving aircraft carriers CNS Shandong, front left, and CNS Liaoning, front... In this image provided by the Chinese military on October 31, 2024, China's navy conducts dual aircraft carrier operations in the South China Sea, involving aircraft carriers CNS Shandong, front left, and CNS Liaoning, front right. More Chinese military China is undergoing a rapid naval buildup to expand its military reach and presence and has conducted "very significant construction programs" of related infrastructure for its fleet over the last 10 to 15 years, Australia-based naval analyst Alex Luck told Newsweek. "A closer look at the rate and type of expansion [of Chinese naval infrastructure], added facilities and total berthing space allows us to make educated assessments as to what sort of naval forces China intends to deploy from what locations," he explained. What To Know According to a Chinese military observer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic, the expansion of Yuchi Naval Base in Qingdao in northeastern China, which is home to the country's first aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning, has begun to take shape. A satellite image captured on Wednesday shows that at least four new piers are being built when compared with a year ago. These include three narrow piers, which are 131 feet wide and will possibly be primarily used to berth the Chinese destroyer fleet, the observer said. The remaining pier under construction, which is 328 feet wide, could be used by larger ships such as aircraft carriers and supply ships. The observer noted that Yulin Naval Base, which is located in Sanya in southern China and is also being expanded, does not have any additional pier for aircraft carriers, indicating there will be a second aircraft carrier homeported at Yuchi, in addition to the Liaoning. CNS Shandong, China's second aircraft carrier, is homeported at Yulin. Drag slider compare photos The yet-to-be-commissioned Chinese aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian, is currently docked at a shipyard in Shanghai in eastern China. The Chinese military has yet to announce its home port. "Any naval force is only a useful asset as long as the related infrastructure can support their operations," Luck said, adding that the enlargement of Yuchi Naval Base's berthing facilities, including those built for aircraft carriers, is the "most dramatic expansion" in recent years. American aircraft carriers are stationed at four locations: Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Naval Air Station North Island in California, and Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state, as well as Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo in Japan, which hosts USS George Washington. What People Are Saying Alex Luck, Australia-based naval analyst, told Newsweek: "The benefit of tracking infrastructure is that these efforts are generally easier to observe, including on commercial satellite imagery, compared to naval construction. The latter is still difficult to assess in some respects due to its more secretive nature…the basing infrastructure allows you to judge future scale and force mix to a reasonable extent regardless of such restrictions." Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Shandong is seen at Yulin Naval Base in Sanya in southern China on December 17, 2019. Chinese aircraft carrier CNS Shandong is seen at Yulin Naval Base in Sanya in southern China on December 17, 2019. Li Gang/Xinhua via AP A Chinese military observer, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic, told Newsweek: "A carrier doesn't act alone, it also needs to provide support facilities for the entire [carrier strike] group. Currently there are no bases of this size other than the homeports of the three major fleets. And there are no signs of any large-scale expansion at [Eastern Theater Command]'s Zhoushan base." The three Chinese major fleets are assigned to the Northern, Eastern, and Southern Theater Commands. Each theater navy has its subordinate submarine flotillas, surface ship flotillas, aviation units, and naval bases, the Pentagon stated in its Chinese military power report. What Happens Next It remains to be confirmed whether the Fujian will be homeported at Yuchi Naval Base after it enters service. Meanwhile, the number of Chinese naval bases capable of hosting aircraft carriers could be increased if China decided to build additional carriers in the future.
