[By Observer News Wang Shipchun] Shandong aircraft carrier returns to the South China Sea, ending the dual-carrier exercise in the Western Pacific.

According to a statement released by the Japanese Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff on June 23, the Chinese Navy's Shandong aircraft carrier group passed through the Balintang Strait on June 22 to return to the South China Sea. At the same time, a formation composed of the 055-type destroyer Lasa, 054A frigates Yantai and Weifang, and the 903-type comprehensive supply ship Kekexili Lake also passed through the Miyako Strait on June 22 to return to the East China Sea.

Previously, on June 19, the Liaoning aircraft carrier group passed through the Miyako Strait to return to the East China Sea. Thus, both aircraft carriers that conducted exercises in the Western Pacific have returned within the First Island Chain.

The Shandong aircraft carrier and Anshan formation returning through the Miyako Strait

On June 20 and 22, according to Japanese statements, the Shandong aircraft carrier remained active in the sea east of Luzon Island. During this period, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force observed 70 takeoff and landing operations of carrier-based aircraft on the Shandong aircraft carrier.

From June 9 to June 22, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force observed 420 takeoff and landing operations on the Shandong aircraft carrier, with an average of 30 per day, which is less than the Liaoning aircraft carrier. On June 21, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force observed two 055-type destroyers, Yan'an and Zunyi, in the battle group.

Based on open-source information, the training activities of the two Chinese aircraft carriers outside the First Island Chain - "Muxing Guanhai Tian"

According to information released by the Japanese Joint Staff, the Liaoning aircraft carrier group passed through the Miyako Strait from May 25 to 27, entering the Western Pacific from the East China Sea, heading south to the waters east of the Philippines. Around June 7, it reached the area west of the Minami-Tori-shima (Okinotorishima), then turned back to maneuver in the waters east of the Philippines. The Shandong aircraft carrier appeared in the Pacific waters east of the Bashi Strait on June 7, circled clockwise around Okinotorishima and approached the route of the Liaoning aircraft carrier.

The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers during long-range training in the Western Pacific. It is worth noting that all the aircraft on the deck of the Liaoning are new J-15T carrier-based fighters. China Military News Social Media

Japanese Defense Minister Nakagawa stated on June 20 at a press conference that during the period from late May to June 19, the Chinese Navy's Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier groups conducted approximately 1,000 takeoff and landing training sessions for carrier-based fighter jets. Among them, the Shandong aircraft carrier conducted continuous takeoff and landing training of carrier-based fighter jets in the surrounding waters of Okinotorishima (called "Okinotorishima" by Japan) for several days, with more than 100 takeoff and landing operations.

China had previously responded to the movement of its warships. Rear Admiral Wang Xuemeng, the spokesperson for the Chinese Navy, said on the 10th that the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier groups went to the Western Pacific and other areas for training to test the ability of the troops to defend in distant seas and conduct joint operations. This is a routine training organized according to the annual plan, aiming to continuously improve the ability to fulfill missions, which is in line with relevant international laws and practices, and not targeting specific countries or objectives.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, also stated on the 10th that the activities of Chinese warships in the relevant waters fully comply with international law and international practice. China has always adhered to a defensive national defense policy and hopes that Japan will objectively and rationally view the situation.

This article is exclusive to Observer News. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7519392225631568421/

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