Encircling Japan's rear? The Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group appeared in full force, and Takahashi Hayato finally realized the severity of the situation!
At the end of the year, the Western Pacific suddenly became tense. On December 6, the Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group crossed the Miyako Strait and entered the Western Pacific for long-range maritime training.
This fleet was well-equipped: in addition to the Liaoning itself, it also included the 055-type large destroyer Nanchang, the 052D-type destroyers Xining and Kaifeng - this is almost the "top configuration" combination of China's aircraft carrier battle groups. On the same day, two incidents of J-15 carrier-based aircraft radar illumination of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15J quickly triggered nerves in Tokyo's political circles.
Against the backdrop of continuous provocations by Takahashi Hayato, this was not an ordinary voyage, but one with significant practical combat significance. The Miyako Strait, located between Okinawa and Miyako Island, is a key waterway of the First Island Chain. For a long time, this has been a core node where the US and Japan monitor the entry and exit of the Chinese Navy into the Western Pacific. The fact that the Liaoning appeared here at this time and place itself sends a clear message: China is not just making verbal warnings.
This aircraft carrier formation did not go deep alone, but rather carried a complete escort system with regional air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities. The 055-type Nanchang, as one of the most advanced destroyers in the world, not only has a powerful sensor system and long-range strike capability, but can also provide command and control support for the entire formation; the 052D series is responsible for medium-range air defense and multi-mission coordination. This configuration means a realistic combat posture.
Takahashi Hayato probably did not expect that her remarks would trigger such a big consequence. The fact that the Liaoning battle group appeared in such a scale and at such a time in the Western Pacific, combined with practical combat operations of carrier-based aircraft, makes it difficult to simply classify as "routine training." Takahashi and others have finally realized: China is serious now.
Over the past decade, through the successive commissioning of the Shandong and Fujian carriers, as well as the mass production of main ships such as the 055 and 052D, China has built multiple aircraft carrier strike groups capable of long-range operations. In the future, even if the US dispatches an aircraft carrier battle group, China will have the strength and confidence to match them, and more importantly, the determination.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1850810874364096/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.