Following the latest movements of the Liaoning (CV-16) aircraft carrier strike group of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), Japanese authorities located the vessels in a new position in the Western Pacific, highlighting that it marks the farthest distance reached to date by Chinese naval units. This underscores Beijing’s increasingly ambitious goals of naval projection and power, deploying its ships and aircraft carriers ever farther from mainland Chinese territory.
Just a week ago, the Joint Staff of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces reported the presence of the Liaoning (CV-16) near the northern part of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Subsequently, the formation proceeded southeast through the waters between Okinawa’s main island and the Miyako Islands, heading into the Pacific Ocean. This journey, described as “unusual” since it was the first time the carrier had been observed near those archipelagos, included exercises, as well as fighter and helicopter takeoffs and landings from the carrier air wing. According to official data, a total of 120 flight operations involving fighters and helicopters were detected within 48 hours.
As days passed with no further updates, a new Japanese report revealed that the Liaoning and its strike group were located on Friday, May 30, to the east of Samar Island (Philippines) and west of Guam — a position that represents one of the farthest points reached so far by the CV-16. In previous operations, its deployments had been limited to the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea.
As increasingly observed, these close approaches to archipelagos and disputed areas are part of China’s ongoing operations through the PLAN, serving as a message to the region. They demonstrate the country’s naval and air power projection capabilities and its intent to assert sovereignty claims over islands and territories in dispute.
In this context, it is important to note that these naval projections are taking place in waters of high strategic relevance for China, particularly in the Western Pacific. This area includes the Philippine Sea, located east of Taiwan, northeast of the Philippines, south of Japan, and northeast of Guam — a key geopolitical space where the Shandong has also operated. These deployments are far from random; they fall within what is known as the “first island chain,” the control or breach of which is central to China’s area denial and access strategy aimed at countering geopolitical rivals.
But this strategy is not exclusive to the Liaoning. For several years now, the aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17) has also carried out long-range voyages, particularly across the Western Pacific. Notably, in mid-September 2024, the large carrier was observed in the area, conducting exercises accompanied by a Type 075 amphibious assault ship. Previously, in 2023, the Shandong also sailed in these waters, reaching the southern part of Miyako Island, among other locations.
These increasingly prolonged maneuvers reflect the Asian giant’s objective of consolidating a sustained presence beyond the South China Sea, expanding its area of operations and affirming itself as a maritime power capable of projecting strength across the entire Indo-Pacific region.
In particular, during this latest Liaoning deployment, the presence of a Type 901 replenishment oiler — identified as CNS Hulunhu (901) — was also observed. This key asset significantly extends the task group’s time at sea, providing greater operational autonomy and flexibility. Such logistical support not only reflects improved fleet projection capabilities but also underscores China’s intent to prepare its carriers for prolonged deployments and long-range operations, aligning with the PLAN’s ambition to operate as a blue-water navy.
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