The Liaoning aircraft carrier task group made the first breakthrough of the second island chain. Its combat capability has been significantly enhanced, and more multi-carrier training is worth looking

Foreign media reported that the Liaoning aircraft carrier broke through the second island chain for the first time, with the farthest voyage into the open ocean. According to reports from the Global Times and multiple media outlets, the recent long-distance voyage of the Liaoning aircraft carrier has attracted attention from foreign media, especially neighboring countries like Japan have paid high attention to its extensive and long-term voyages. This time, the Liaoning aircraft carrier was missing for an unusually long period, and its airspace, sea areas, and operational spaces were unprecedented.  Japanese media provided detailed coverage of the Liaoning aircraft carrier's movements, claiming it appeared 1800 kilometers away from Tokyo near Minami-Tori-shima, which is uninhabited. If calculated based on this distance, it indicates that the Chinese Navy has stepped on the first island chain and is currently breaking through the second island chain, demonstrating a gradual improvement in its long-distance navigation capabilities and combat readiness.  Previously, due to tonnage limitations and constraints on fleet combat capabilities, particularly logistical support capabilities, China’s navy had relatively limited activities in distant seas and oceans. Under the blockade of each island chain, every step was difficult. However, recent developments in naval weaponry, large platforms, fleet combat capabilities, and systematic combat capabilities have significantly improved. This has been evident during training operations in distant oceans, indicating a strong trend toward development. Conducting large-scale practical training in distant ocean regions shows that we already have a strong presence in the second island chain. The ability to operate in distant oceans is a gold standard test for a navy. If we can conduct various long-distance training exercises and carrier-based aircraft takeoffs and landings near the second island chain, it indicates our operational range is further expanding.  The increasing number of Chinese aircraft carriers and the continuous advancement of their long-range combat capabilities show that we must first set examples and create guidelines for other aircraft carriers' long-distance training. Due to unfamiliar environments and elements during long-distance training, only by having the Liaoning aircraft carrier overcome the challenges of the first and second island chains can future second and third aircraft carriers have a basic reference when conducting training in distant seas and oceans. The resulting combat proficiency and guideline standards should be exceptionally high. Secondly, it demonstrates significant progress in our fleet support and guarantee capabilities in distant sea regions. In distant ocean areas without support bases and under extreme conditions, conducting various training and guarantee operations is extremely challenging. Therefore, while many countries' vessels can reach here, they cannot fully conduct practical exercises or prolonged training, especially advanced carrier-based aircraft takeoffs and landings.  Through the Liaoning aircraft carrier's first training in the second island chain, it marks that the Chinese Navy will expand its training steps into even farther maritime and airspace regions. If single-carrier strike groups become dual-carrier strike groups and then triple-carrier strike groups, our presence in distant seas and oceans will further increase. Defending national sovereignty, dignity, world peace, and ensuring regional security and stability will have more conditions and means. Therefore, this distant ocean training in the second island chain indicates that the Chinese Navy's long-distance combat capability is stepping onto a new level. Original article: [https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514324880108569114/](https://www.toutiao.com/article/7514324880108569114/) Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude using the buttons below.