It was the Liaoning's first long-distance training mission since being commissioned last year, amid concerns about China's growing naval power. The official Xinhua news agency said the carrier "underwent a comprehensive test of its combat system and conducted a formation practice."
Xinhua quoted unnamed naval sources as saying the 37-day trip "attained the anticipated objectives," and that all tests "went well as scheduled."
Zhang Zheng, the Liaoning's captain, said the mission went smoothly.
"We tried to integrate the test, training and combat of the aircraft carrier during this scientific research and training in the South China Sea. And we focused on the research of its safeguard and combat abilities," said Zhang.
- The Liaoning was escorted by aircraft, naval vessels and submarines, which also participated in the tests.
On December 5, one of the Chinese warships escorting the Liaoning narrowly avoided colliding with a U.S. naval vessel.
U.S. officials say the USS Cowpens was operating in international waters when it was forced to take evasive action to avoid hitting the Chinese vessel.
- Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel later said China acted in an "unhelpful" and "irresponsible" manner during the stand-off. Meanwhile, China maintained the encounter was handled "in accordance with strict protocol."
China bought the Liaoning as an unfinished Soviet aircraft carrier from Ukraine in 1998. After spending years refurbishing it, the carrier entered service last September.
- The Liaoning's capabilities are seen as limited, and China has described its role as "experimental." Nonetheless, it is viewed as representative of China's wider naval ambitions.
- Many of China's neighbors accuse it of being more aggressive in recent years in defending its maritime claims. In the South China Sea, Beijing has overlapping claims with several countries.
1/1/14
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Related:
China's aircraft carrier leaves for sea trials (video CCTV)
China sends carrier to South China Sea for training amid maritime disputes...
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Chinese aircraft carrier "Liaoning" finishes training mission...
ReplyDeleteChina's aircraft carrier "Liaoning" has returned to its home port in Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province, after finishing about 40 days' scheduled scientific and training mission in the South China Sea.
Its voyage started on November 26th. This is the first time the carrier has conducted a cross-sea training voyage since it was commissioned into the People’s Liberation Army Navy on September, 2012. The Liaoning and its crew conducted a series of tests and training drills, including landing and takeoff by various aircraft, including the J-15 carrier-borne fighter.
Its Captain Zhang Zheng said the South China Sea trial is a normal arrangement in the carrier’s scheduled training. He also said long cross-sea voyages are a necessary stage of experimentation and training to test equipment and troops under continuous work and different hydrological and meteorological conditions........http://english.cntv.cn/program/asiatoday/20140101/104882.shtml
1/1/14
China has sent a surveillance vessel to international waters off Hawaii for the world's largest naval exercise, the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), as Beijing participates in the drills for the first time, Reuters has reported citing the US Navy....
ReplyDeleteThe US Navy said the proximity of the Chinese spy ship poses no risk to the US adding that Beijing also sent a similar vessel to monitor the last RIMPAC exercise two years ago.
"We've taken all necessary precautions to protect our critical information," Reuters quoted Captain Darryn James, chief spokesman of the US Pacific Fleet, as saying.
"We expect this ship will remain outside of U.S. territorial seas and not operate in a manner that disrupts the ongoing Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise."
Started by the United States in 1971, with ships from the US, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand, RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) takes place every year.
This summer’s drills due on June 26 -August 1 are to involve 47 ships and six submarines from 23 countries, as well as more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 sailors, according to the US Pacific Fleet website.
China’s ships taking part in the drills are the missile destroyer Haikou, the missile frigate Yueyang, the supply ship Qiandaohu and the hospital ship Peace Ark. Russia was first invited to RIMPAC in 2012 but will not participate this year.
http://en.ria.ru/world/20140721/191062096/Beijing-Sends-Spy-Ship-for-US-Led-Naval-Drills.html
21/7/14