With the aim of expanding its naval projection, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China will continue increasing the frequency and range of its long-distance deployments, according to a recent statement by a Chinese expert to the local media outlet Global Times. A clear example of this trend was the recent live-fire exercise conducted in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, which raised concerns in the region and caught the attention of Australian authorities. According to analysts, such maneuvers will become increasingly common as the Chinese fleet strengthens its presence in strategic areas of the Indo-Pacific.
A few days ago, the Chinese Navy once again made headlines after deciding to carry out a series of live-fire drills against sea targets between the coasts of Australia and New Zealand, without prior notice, though in international waters. This drew the attention of Australian authorities and the region due to the location—and, consequently, the remoteness—of the deployment. As a result, the country closely monitored the movements of the Asian giant’s naval force, which led to the diversion of commercial vessels and aircraft flying over the area.
For experts, this deployment is not unusual, as China seeks to expand its power projection and demonstrate to the world and the region that it has the capability to do so. “As the PLA advances toward deep-water operations, these types of exercises will become more frequent, and some countries will have to adjust to this reality,” stated Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert.
Reflecting this strategy, support for the naval industry in recent years has demonstrated China’s commitment to a more advanced and capable navy able to operate in distant regions. Notably, the sea trials of China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian, and recent satellite images of a fourth carrier under construction align with this objective, as China seeks to cement its power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.
This also comes in a regional context where the U.S. Navy, along with other Western countries, maintains an active presence with at least two aircraft carriers. The South China Sea is just one of many examples where the U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on three occasions for joint exercises with other nations. Additionally, the presence of France’s Marine Nationale, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the U.S. Navy was evident in the recent Pacific Stellers exercise in the Pacific, which notably included the aircraft carrier strike groups of the Charles de Gaulle and the USS Carl Vinson, as well as the helicopter carrier JS Kaga.
Finally, it is worth recalling other Chinese naval deployments and exercises, such as its joint operations with the Russian Navy in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, aimed at ensuring maritime security in the region. Additionally, China participated in the multinational AMAN 2025 exercise in Pakistan, focused on counter-piracy operations and strengthening maritime security.
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