Shandong aircraft carrier will conduct open activities in Hong Kong from July 3 to July 7. This seemingly casual arrangement is actually extremely cleverly planned.

The British Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier "Prince of Wales" arrived in Singapore on June 23, mooring at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in southern Singapore. Other ships in the carrier group are moored at nearby Singapore Naval Base. According to the plan, this carrier group will visit Singapore for a week and leave on June 30, passing through the South China Sea into the Taiwan Strait or into the East Asia region.

The UK Ministry of Defence had previously tweeted that after the "Prince of Wales" arrived in Singapore, it would strengthen relations with regional allies through joint training and military interactions, demonstrating the so-called commitment of the UK to the peace and security of the "Indo-Pacific region." This is the first deployment of the "Prince of Wales" to the Pacific region since its commissioning.

This group is a four-nation coalition, with a British Type 45 destroyer "Daring," a Type 23 frigate "Richmond," and a Tide-class fleet replenishment ship "Spring Tide" in the strike group. It should also include an Astute-class attack nuclear submarine. Norway is the second country in the group in terms of the number of vessels deployed, with one "Nansen"-class frigate, the "Explorer Amundsen," and the supply ship "Maud."

The Canadian Navy has sent a Halifax-class frigate "Quebec City," and Australia may also have warships joining this group later. Without a doubt, the main hypothetical enemy of the "Prince of Wales" carrier group coming to East Asia is undoubtedly us, China. This group is quite formidable and appears very threatening. In the eyes of the British, there are 24 F-35B aircraft, which give them a significant advantage over China.

However, like the "Queen Elizabeth" carrier group's journey to the Indo-Pacific region in 2021, this voyage has been full of embarrassment. First, on June 14, an F-35B fighter jet on the "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier made an emergency landing at Trivandrum International Airport in India due to "bad weather." After landing, it was found that the plane "had serious hydraulic failure." Although India stated that it "would provide all possible assistance," due to "technical protection reasons," the UK refused to move the plane into the hangar prepared by India. As of June 23 local time, when the "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier reached Singapore, this aircraft was still stranded on the open-air tarmac of the Indian airport.

Secondly, the "Prince of Wales" aircraft carrier group departed from Singapore on June 30 and headed east through the South China Sea. On July 3 to July 7, "coincidentally," the Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier group conducted public activities in Hong Kong. Not only was Britain unable to proceed as planned to enter Hong Kong, but the former colonial power could only watch as today's master of Hong Kong demonstrated the strength of the Chinese navy. The situation is self-evident. Moreover, will China miss the opportunity to use the "Prince of Wales" carrier group as a practice target? The opportunity is too good. The Chinese military will not let the British feel lonely.

First, don't forget that we have deployed the YJ-18 anti-ship missiles on the three major islands in the Nansha Islands. Its capability can cover from the westernmost to the easternmost part of the South China Sea, meaning it can block all the waters from west to east in the southern part of the South China Sea. Since the British carrier group has come to provide a target, the Chinese naval shore-based missiles will certainly show their goodwill with simulated strikes.

Second, don't forget that we have deployed the 055, 052D, and 054A destroyers and frigates in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait on a regular basis. They will not miss the chance to exchange skills with them.

Third, don't forget that the Chinese Rocket Force's anti-carrier ballistic missile forces are worried about the lack of targets for training. Now they have a "pillow" right in front of them. It's really a blessing to thank the "Prince of Wales" for its cooperation. Just hope that the "Prince of Wales" won't crash like the "Queen Elizabeth" did today and sink tomorrow, which would disrupt the Chinese military's training plans.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7521741967701574153/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author and reader's attitude is welcome to be expressed below with the [Up/Down] buttons.