Latest news with #CNSShandong
Newsweek
5 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
China Reveals Encounter With Western 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. The Chinese military reported encountering a foreign aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, where the East Asian power maintains sweeping sovereignty claims over most of the waters. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for further comment via email. Why It Matters China and neighboring countries—including the Philippines, a United States mutual defense treaty ally—are involved in ongoing territorial disputes over maritime features in the energy-rich South China Sea, often leading to standoffs and clashes between rival maritime forces. Encounters between Chinese and foreign military aircraft and vessels are not uncommon as Beijing has accused foreign militaries of conducting "close-in" operations by approaching its territorial airspace and waters, both of which extend 13.8 miles from the country's coastline. What To Know The Chinese military—officially known as the People's Liberation Army (PLA)—published a news story on Thursday about flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier CNS Shandong. While the article focused on the Shandong's fighter jets launching from and landing on the flight deck, it also said that during an unspecified summer in the South China Sea, a foreign aircraft carrier was spotted approaching the Shandong and its naval task group. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet during the open event of the aircraft carrier CNS Shandong in Hong Kong on July 4. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet during the open event of the aircraft carrier CNS Shandong in Hong Kong on July 4. Dai Menglan/China News Service/VCG via AP It further said that the unidentified foreign aircraft carrier frequently launched aircraft that flew toward the Chinese carrier at high speed, prompting the Shandong to enter what it described as "combat status" and launch J-15 fighter jets armed with weapons in response. According to the article, the Chinese fighter aircraft "successfully drove away" the foreign aircraft after dogfighting—a term that refers to close-range maneuvers between two aircraft. This was the second encounter between Chinese and foreign aircraft carriers publicized by China this year. In April, Chinese media aired footage showing a J-15 fighter jet flying close to a fighter aircraft that appears to be an F/A-18, operated by the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet. In early July, both the U.S. and China deployed aircraft carriers in the South China Sea—USS George Washington and the Shandong, respectively. The former was operating in the Timor Sea, north of Australia, as of Tuesday, according to photos released by the U.S. Navy. Open-source satellite imagery spotted the Shandong at its home port on China's southern island of Hainan—north of the South China Sea—on Thursday. The warship was one of two Chinese aircraft carriers simultaneously deployed in the broader western Pacific in June. 🔍 🇨🇳PLAN Naval Watch: Recent imagery shows the bulk of the South Sea Amphibious Fleet back in port at Zhanjiang. However, the activity doesn't stop there! We're tracking a Type 075 LHD inbound to Longpo/Yulin, alongside a flurry of movements just outside Longpo/Yulin… — MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) July 18, 2025 What People Are Saying The U.S. Pacific Fleet told Newsweek in April: "We don't have a comment on specific operations, engagements, or training, but we routinely operate in the vicinity of foreign aircraft and ships in international waters and airspace in the Indo-Pacific." Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said in May 2023: "[T]he U.S. side has frequently sent aircraft and vessels to conduct close-in reconnaissance on China, seriously threatening China's sovereignty and security. Such provocative and dangerous moves are the root cause for maritime security issues." What Happens Next It is likely that close encounters between Chinese and foreign forces—particularly those of the U.S.—will continue as both sides maintain their presence in the western Pacific.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Photos Show US Navy's Double Aircraft Carrier Operations in Atlantic
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. The United States recently deployed two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS George H.W. Bush, in the Atlantic following a similar operation by China in the Pacific as both countries compete for naval dominance across the world. Why It Matters While the U.S. Navy possesses the largest fleet of aircraft carriers in the world—with 11 vessels in service—China operates more than 370 ships and submarines, including two aircraft carriers in active service, making it the world's largest navy by hull count, according to the Pentagon. Last month, the Chinese navy simultaneously deployed its aircraft carriers—CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong—in the broader western Pacific. This came as one of the two American aircraft carriers operating in the region, USS Nimitz, was redeployed to the Middle East. What To Know According to a set of photos released by the U.S. Navy on Wednesday, the Gerald R. Ford and the George H.W. Bush were seen operating side by side on June 27 at an undisclosed location in the Atlantic, where they conducted resupply operations and ammunition transfers. The United States aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford, left, and USS George H.W. Bush, right, conducting resupply operations while underway in the Atlantic Ocean on June 27. The United States aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford, left, and USS George H.W. Bush, right, conducting resupply operations while underway in the Atlantic Ocean on June 27. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maxwell Orlosky/U.S. Navy The Gerald R. Ford departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on June 24 for a "regularly scheduled deployment" to the U.S. European Command, forming a strike group with five destroyers to support economic prosperity, national security and defense, the Navy said. Photos taken by ship spotters show that the George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk on June 10 and returned on Tuesday. While underway in the Atlantic, the aircraft carrier conducted "Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem," the Navy said. The training—referred to as TSTA/FEP—is designed to build crew operating proficiency and to enhance the ship's ability to self-train, according to the Navy. It prepares the ship and crew for integration into a strike group through a wide range of mission-critical operations. The Gerald R. Ford, commissioned in 2017 and becoming operational four years later, is the lead ship of the next generation of the U.S.'s aircraft carriers. The George H.W. Bush is one of 10 vessels in the older Nimitz-class, which entered service between 1975 and 2009. As the successor to the Nimitz class, the Gerald R. Ford-class features design improvements, including the ability to launch more aircraft and generate more electrical power for shipboard systems. The Navy plans to procure six new aircraft carriers, including the lead ship itself. The United States aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford, front, and USS George H.W. Bush conducting ammunition transfers while underway in the Atlantic Ocean on June 27. The United States aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford, front, and USS George H.W. Bush conducting ammunition transfers while underway in the Atlantic Ocean on June 27. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maxwell Orlosky/U.S. Navy Meanwhile, China is testing its most advanced aircraft carrier, CNS Fujian, which features electromagnetic catapults for launching aircraft, similar to those on the Gerald R. Ford. The Pentagon previously assessed that the Fujian would be operational in the first half of 2025. What People Are Saying The U.S. Second Fleet announced on June 24: "The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group provides combatant commanders and America's civilian leaders increased capacity to underpin American security and economic prosperity, deter adversaries, and project power on a global scale through sustained operations at sea." The U.S. Navy said in a fact sheet last updated on February 27: "Often the presence of an aircraft carrier has deterred potential adversaries from striking against U.S. interests. Aircraft carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea and engage in sustained power projection operations in support of U.S. and coalition forces." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy a second aircraft carrier to the western Pacific to reinforce its naval presence as China's navy continues to expand its operations.
Japan Forward
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Forward
T-Day in the Senkakus: Is China Planning Tourism to the Senkakus?
In recent weeks and months, several seemingly unrelated incidents have occurred in and around the Senkakus, islands historically claimed and administered by Japan for the last 130 years. These events include the placing (and recent removal) of a buoy in the area and a helicopter flight over the islands. More ominous is the constant presence (224 days straight as of June 30) of armed Chinese Coast Guard vessels ー which are navy-sized ships painted white. Along with these is the recent passage nearby of a Chinese aircraft carrier, CNS Liaoning , and its naval task group. That has been followed by the deployment of another aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong , in the area. While they may appear unconnected, these incidents are, in fact, very much intertwined. Namely, the actions by China are all meant to chip away at Japan's administration of the Senkaku Islands. Beijing aims to create precedents that make it look as if the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), often by using the Chinese Communist Party and its military wing, the People's Liberation Army, is the rightful owner of the Senkakus. Whether it is by lies, the use of force and violence, or other means and measures in between, the PRC has a big toolbox (this, also probably "Made in China") to draw from. It was not only these recent events that caused me to be concerned. I am a resident of Japan, a specialist on the history of the Senkaku Islands. As a former official in the United States government, I also personally know how woefully unprepared the US-Japan alliance is to defend the islands. And how inadequate the American understanding of the Senkaku issue is. Recently, I was going through some declassified documents, articles, and clippings about the Senkakus for an ongoing book project. In the process, I came across a note I made to myself more than a decade ago about the islands. At the time, I was working as the Political Advisor to the US Marine Corps in Okinawa. Belatedly, interest in the islands was beginning to grow there. I noticed an AP story published in the Stars and Stripes newspaper about how China was opening the Xisha Islands, known internationally as the Paracels, to cruises and other tourism. The islands are also claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines. The China Coast Guard 2303, equipped with a 76mm cannon, is pictured here from the China Coast Guard website. Now in operation, the tours leave from the Sanya Port on the southeastern side of Hainan Island. Visitors sleep on the cruise ship and go onto the islands for sightseeing. There are reports of at least one hotel on the largest island, Yongxing. However, this writer has not been able to confirm the reports. The early April 2013 story was based on a report by Xinhua News Agency. It cited Hainan government officials, who stated that the tours were to begin before the May Day holiday on May 1 that year. One of the cruise ship owners, Haihang Group Corporation Ltd, was also quoted. The ship could accommodate 1,965 passengers and was "ready for sailing." A second company was also building another ship. It is obvious that the plan had long been in the works. Coordination between local government officials was involved, along with cruise and tour operators, and the ship companies. Moreover, it certainly needed the blessing (if not encouragement) of the central government. The reader should be able to now guess what the note I wrote to myself was: "What happens when China tries to do this in the Senkakus?" This is beyond an influence operation that China has sought throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. This would be an attempt to assert its control and sovereignty over the Senkakus, undermining Japan's administration of the islands, perhaps dealing a final fatal blow without raising a fist. Experts talk about "gray operations." This is a green one. No, not "army" but would be one that would generate money in the process. How many Chinese would pay to visit the Senkakus? A lot. And they would pay a lot of money. Of course, Chinese authorities would not be doing it for commercial reasons but to finally separate the Senkakus from Japan. Is Japan prepared for this? If so, how? The short answers are "no" and "not at all." Japan should be, however. Indeed, not only was the April 2013 announcement over the Xisha Islands a wake-up call about what could happen in the Senkakus, but a Chinese professor based in Okinawa had called for precisely this a month before in March 2013. Not surprisingly, he did so in the name of "friendship" and "peaceful development" of the Senkaku Islands. Naturally, he called the Senkakus by the name China has given them, the Diaoyutai Islands. There have been similar calls in Japan for the islands to be opened up for tourism (which this author strongly supports). However, the difference is that Japan is the administrator of the islands and does so on behalf of the taxpayer. The government also continues to pay rental fees on one of the islands, which is dedicated for use by the US military. A Chinese helicopter violating Japanese airspace on May 3, 2025. (Photo provided by the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, Naha, Okinawa) Japanese people were able to visit the islands for fishing and research for decades. This continued even during the US occupation and administration of the islands from 1945 to 1972. (For details, see Robert D Eldridge, The Origins of US Policy in the East China Sea Islands Dispute: Okinawa's Reversion and the Senkaku Islands , Routledge 2014, especially Chapter 2.) However, this has become difficult, if not impossible, in recent years. The Japanese government is going backwards in its administration of the islands, not forward. Meanwhile, China is steaming ahead in asserting and acting on its claims, no matter the lack of facts and legitimacy behind them. Japan needs to be ready for when China announces its beginning tours to the Senkakus. I fear the consequences if it is caught unaware and unable to respond. Is there a bright spot? One way or another, at least the Japanese will be able to visit their islands in the future. Author: Robert D. Eldridge
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Reveals Details of Dual Aircraft Carrier Operations in West Pacific
The Chinese navy said on Monday that its two aircraft carriers repeatedly encountered foreign warships and aircraft while operating simultaneously in the broader western Pacific. Both CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong maintained "high vigilance and responsiveness" to combat scenarios, handling the situation "professionally and soundly," China's navy said. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for further comment by email. The Liaoning and the Shandong were deployed for about two weeks in June on the eastern side of a U.S. defensive line known as the first island chain-comprising Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines in the western Pacific. Japan, a U.S. treaty ally, closely monitored the dual Chinese aircraft carrier deployment-the second such operation since October in the South China Sea-during which one of its patrol aircraft was intercepted by missile-armed fighter jets launched from the Shandong. Both the Liaoning and the Shandong have completed "far-sea combat-oriented training" and returned to their respective home ports of Qingdao and Sanya, according to China's navy. Regarding the "coordinated and systematic" training, both Chinese aircraft carriers conducted a series of drills-including reconnaissance and early warning, counterstrikes, maritime assaults, air defense and aircraft flight operations-under "combat conditions." Official footage shows fighter jets conducting takeoffs and landings aboard the Liaoning and the Shandong, both day and night, while the aircraft carriers receive supplies. Without naming specific countries, the Chinese navy accused foreign warships and aircraft of conducting "up-close reconnaissance maneuvers, tracking, and surveillance" against its aircraft carrier groups, prompting the deployment of carrier-based aircraft. It remains unclear whether any country besides Japan has surveilled the Chinese naval groups. The U.S. Navy dispatched a destroyer to monitor the Liaoning at close range in April 2021. An official photo showed U.S. naval officers "casually" observing the Chinese aircraft carrier. The dual aircraft carrier training enhanced the Chinese military's ability to safeguard the East Asian power's sovereignty, security and development interests, according to the Chinese navy, which added that the drills were part of a "routine arrangement" under its annual plan. Meanwhile, China's Defense Ministry announced that the Shandong and three other warships were scheduled to make a port call in Hong Kong-a special administrative region of China-on Thursday for a five-day visit to promote the country's military development. The Chinese navy said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: "During the mission, the two [aircraft carrier] groups, in coordination with relevant arms of the service, conducted joint drills on maritime strikes, air and missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and integrated long-range support, and thus significantly enhanced real combat capabilities." Alex Luck, a naval analyst in Australia, wrote on X on Monday: "'Far sea' in [People's Liberation Army]/Chinese terminology usually refers to blue water operations. As opposed to 'near seas,' traditionally associated with coastal aka green water ops." It remains to be seen whether the Chinese navy-which possesses the world's largest fleet of warships by hull count-will conduct dual aircraft carrier operations regularly in the future. Related Articles Exclusive - India Hopes for Imminent US Trade Deal, Minister Tells NewsweekUS Citizen Charged in North Korean IT Employment SchemeUS Military Issues Update on China's Rocket Force ThreatChina Reveals Fighter Jets Expelled Foreign Military Aircraft 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Map Shows Major US Naval Presence in West Pacific Amid China Rivalry
The United States has deployed several major naval units in the western Pacific, where its main rival, China, recently flexed its military power with a dual aircraft carrier deployment. Based on official disclosures and satellite imagery, a Newsweek map tracks the deployments of a U.S. aircraft carrier, a missile submarine, and two amphibious warships in the region. Newsweek has emailed the U.S. Seventh Fleet-which maintains America's naval presence in the western Pacific and Indian oceans-and the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment. In May, China-which possesses the world's largest navy by hull count, with over 370 vessels-simultaneously deployed two aircraft carriers, CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong, in the broader western Pacific, in a move seen as challenging America's naval dominance. While the Chinese navy expands its reach and presence, the U.S. Navy redeployed one of its aircraft carriers-USS Nimitz-from the western Pacific to the Middle East, leaving USS George Washington as the only U.S. aircraft carrier in the region to help counter China. The George Washington was spotted underway near Japan's southwestern islands in the Philippine Sea on Monday, according to a satellite image. The U.S. Navy said the aircraft carrier was leading a naval strike group on patrol in the Seventh Fleet's area of operations. Officially released footage shows the George Washington-homeported in Japan since November 2024-conducting flight operations with its fighter jets. The aircraft carrier is capable of deploying various aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F and the stealthy F-35C fighter jet. In a set of photos released on Sunday, USS Ohio-a guided-missile submarine homeported in Bangor, Washington-arrived at Naval Base Guam on June 23. The island of Guam, the westernmost U.S. territory, serves as a staging area to project military power against China. This marked the second time the Ohiomade a stopover in Guam since April. The nuclear-powered submarine can carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles-which have a range of 1,000 miles-and accommodate up to 66 special operations personnel and their equipment. The West Coast-based submarine was conducting "routine operations," a photo caption read. Meanwhile, the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli arrived at its new home port in Sasebo, Japan, on June 23, following a trans-Pacific crossing that began in San Diego, California, on May 19. The warship is designed to carry fighter jets and project power from sea to shore. The Tripoli is scheduled to replace USS America-its sister ship currently homeported in Sasebo. The Navy said this scheduled rotation of forces will ensure it has the "most capable ships" that can respond rapidly to the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region. As of Sunday, the America was conducting flight operations with its F-35B stealth aircraft while underway in the Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Australia. The warship visited the Australian city of Sydney on June 14, accompanied by two other amphibious ships. The U.S. Navy said in a video caption on June 27: "The George Washington is the U.S. Navy's premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States' commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet." U.S. Navy Captain Eddie Park, commanding officer of USS Tripoli, said in a news release on June 23: "Our Sailors and Marines are ready to join the capable team of Forward Deployed Naval Forces and contribute to the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy additional warships to the western Pacific to maintain its presence there while simultaneously conducting missions in the Middle East. Related Articles Iran Sets Terms for Nuclear Talks With Army Prepares For New AttackWhat the Industrial Revolution Can Teach Americans About the AI RevolutionDonald Trump Spotted Wearing Glasses 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
