[Source/Observer Network, Wang Shih-p'ing] The Japanese Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff Office released a message on the evening of May 27th stating that during the period from Sunday, May 25th to Monday, May 26th, multiple Chinese naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning (hull number 16), were active near the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. Subsequently, the Liaoning task force transited the Miyako Strait on the 27th and moved to the waters east of Taiwan.

The Joint Staff Office stated that on May 25th, the Liaoning task force was located approximately 240 kilometers north of Kuba Island; on the 26th, it was located about 190 kilometers northwest of Kume Island; on the 27th, the Liaoning (hull number 16) and the Type 055 destroyer Nanchang (hull number 101) sailed southeast through the sea area between Okinawa Main Island and Miyako Island into the Pacific Ocean. The Joint Staff Office stated that Chinese navy carrier-borne fighter jets and helicopters conducted takeoff and landing operations in the seas southeast of Miyako Island (Okinawa Prefecture), approximately 190 kilometers away.

Social media image of our Liaoning aircraft carrier and Nanchang destroyer taken by the Japan Self-Defense Forces

In addition to the Liaoning, the Liaoning task force also includes the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Nanjing (hull number 155), Taiyuan (hull number 131), and the Type 054A guided-missile frigate Anyang (hull number 054A). The Joint Staff Office stated that during this period, the Chinese Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted approximately 90 carrier-based fighter jet takeoffs and landings and approximately 30 carrier-based helicopter takeoffs and landings, totaling approximately 120 carrier-based aircraft takeoffs and landings.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force deployed the destroyer "Takaba" of the Yokosuka 6th Escort Division, the destroyer "Kagemi" of the St. Harbor 12th Escort Division, and the P-3C anti-submarine patrol aircraft of the 5th Air Group in Naha for surveillance and intelligence collection; the Air Self-Defense Force fighters intercepted the carrier-based aircraft of the Chinese side with emergency takeoff.

Previously, on May 25th, the Japanese Ministry of Defense's Joint Staff Office reported that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning conducted takeoff and landing exercises for carrier-based aircraft in the seas north of the Diaoyu Islands, 200 kilometers away. The Joint Staff Office stated that the Chinese Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group, including the Type 052D guided-missile destroyers Qiqihar (hull number 121), Tangshan (hull number 122), and the Type 054A guided-missile frigates Binzhou (hull number 515), Anyang (hull number 599), were conducting training activities about 200 kilometers north of Huangwei Islet in the East China Sea, and carried out takeoff and landing activities for carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters.

While Japan recorded the Liaoning's exercises in the East China Sea, the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed "Washington" aircraft carrier finally set sail for duty. On May 25th, the U.S. Navy's "Washington" aircraft carrier, based in Yokosuka, Japan, ended its six-month winter maintenance. Afterwards, the Washington will head to the Iwo Jima area to receive carrier-based aircraft before beginning its first duty cruise after forward deployment.

At the same time, the "Nimitz" aircraft carrier continued to operate near the South China Sea. On May 25th, the "Nimitz" aircraft carrier strike group concluded its visit to Malaysia. Previously, on April 18th, the "Nimitz" arrived at the Guam region and began operational deployments in the Indo-Pacific area. The "Nimitz" aircraft carrier strike group also includes the "Arleigh Burke"-class destroyers "Curtis Wilbur," "Gridley," and "Wayne E. Meyer," as well as nine aviation squadrons under the 17th Air Wing. After the "Washington" aircraft carrier begins duty, the U.S. Navy will rarely have "double carriers" in the Asia-Pacific region.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7509319480582668827/

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