China Aircraft Carrier Liaoning Heads to Western Pacific for Training

China's Liaoning aircraft carrier formation has departed for the Western Pacific to conduct live-fire and tactical flight training. The Silicon Review reports on the PLA Navy's routine annual exercises amid rising regional military activity.

The People's Liberation Army Navy has deployed its Liaoning aircraft carrier formation to the Western Pacific for routine training, including far-sea tactical flight operations, live-fire shooting, support and cover maneuvers, and comprehensive rescue drills. The carrier group departed on Tuesday as part of the PLA Navy's annual training plan.

The aircraft carrier China has deployed is its first carrier, commissioned in 2012. The Liaoning typically operates with an escort fleet including Type 055 and Type 052D destroyers, Type 054A frigates, and a large supply vessel. The carrier carries dozens of J-15 fighter jets and is capable of supporting operations of the newer J-35 stealth fighters.

The China defense news comes as regional military activity intensifies. The deployment follows the recent US-Philippines Balikatan 2026 exercise with participation from Japan and other allies, and coincides with increased Chinese patrols around Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Liaoning passed through the Taiwan Strait in April and is now operating in Western Pacific waters.

The Liaoning carrier formation's training includes integrated search and rescue operations designed to test combat readiness in realistic scenarios. Analysts view these exercises as evidence that the PLA Navy is accelerating its transformation into a blue-water navy capable of operating far from China's shores and competing with US naval power in the region.

The PLA Navy emphasized that the training complies with international law and common practice. According to the PLA Navy statement released on its official WeChat account, this is a routine arrangement organized according to the annual plan, aimed at enhancing the forces' capacity to fulfill their missions.

By the end of 2026, China is expected to have its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, fully operational. The Fujian features an electromagnetic catapult system for launching aircraft, making it China's most advanced carrier to date. Satellite images suggest China is already building a fourth carrier, with plans to eventually shift to nuclear-powered vessels.

The Silicon Review's analysis indicates that China's Western Pacific carrier deployments are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. While Beijing insists these are routine exercises, the cumulative effect is a steady expansion of the PLA Navy's operational reach beyond the first island chain, challenging the US Navy's traditional dominance in the region.

Q: What training is the Liaoning aircraft carrier conducting in the Western Pacific?
A: The Liaoning formation is conducting far-sea tactical flight operations, live-fire shooting, support and cover maneuvers, comprehensive rescue drills, and integrated search and rescue training.

Q: How many aircraft carriers does China have?
A: China currently has three aircraft carriers: the Liaoning (commissioned 2012), the Shandong (commissioned 2019), and the Fujian (commissioned November 2025). The Fujian is China's most advanced carrier, featuring an electromagnetic catapult system.

Q: Why is China deploying aircraft carriers to the Western Pacific?
A: The PLA Navy states these are routine training exercises under the annual plan to enhance mission capabilities. Analysts view the deployments as part of China's strategy to become a blue-water navy capable of operating far from its shores.

Q: What ships accompany the Liaoning carrier formation?
A: The Liaoning typically operates with an escort fleet including Type 055 and Type 052D destroyers, Type 054A frigates, and a large supply vessel.

Q: How does the Liaoning compare to newer Chinese carriers?
A: The Liaoning uses a ski-jump takeoff system. The newer Fujian features an electromagnetic catapult system similar to the US Gerald R. Ford class, allowing it to launch heavier aircraft with larger weapons loads.

Q: How many aircraft carriers does the United States have compared to China?
A: The United States has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. China has three conventionally-powered carriers, though the Fujian approaches US carriers in size and capability.