April 11, 2023
BEIJING – The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s CNS Shandong aircraft carrier has taken part in the “Joint Sword” exercises around the Taiwan Island on Monday, according to the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
The Shandong carrier battle group, which consists of at least one Type 055 guided-missile destroyer and several other types of destroyers and frigates, was shown in a video clip published by the command on Monday afternoon.
The Shandong — China’s second aircraft carrier and the first wholly designed and built in the country — is the largest and most sophisticated naval ship now in any Asian navy
J-15 fighter jets took off from the carrier to participate in the drills, according to the clip.
The Shandong — China’s second aircraft carrier and the first wholly designed and built in the country — displaces at least 50,000 metric tons of water. Commissioned in December 2019 to the South Sea Fleet, it is the largest and most sophisticated naval ship now in any Asian navy.
Other naval vessels involved in the exercises simulated port blockade and attacks on enemy ships. They maneuvered to “favorable positions” and then closed in on their adversaries in a move of deterrence.
In a separate video, a PLA Navy sailor was seen observing a Taiwan naval ship that was very close to his own.
Air units under the command sent dozens of fighter jets and bombers, which were loaded with real missiles, and early-warning and electronic warfare planes to conduct air blockade and mock missile assaults against key targets on the Taiwan Island.
On the ground, ballistic and cruise missile forces tracked enemy ships and then simulated several rounds of saturation bombardments.
Monday is expected to be the last day of the three-day “Joint Sword” exercises organized by the PLA Eastern Theater Command. The military operations are a serious warning to the collusion and provocations by “Taiwan independence” separatists and external forces and a necessary move to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the command, said on Saturday.