Aircraft from Chinese carrier conducted 100-plus landings and takeoffs in waters near Okinawan islands

[moonstone_laura]

From 'The Japan Times':

Japan’s defense chief said Tuesday that fighter jets and helicopters aboard China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier had conducted more than 100 landings and takeoffs while in waters near the Nansei Islands and Taiwan from earlier this month through Sunday, as the Chinese Navy seeks to improve its capabilities in more distant areas.

Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said the operations had taken place in waters between 160 kilometers southwest of Okinawa Prefecture’s Okidaito Island and 150 km south of its Ishigaki Island — the closest ever to Japan to date.

“The recent activities by the Chinese military may be an attempt to improve their ability to operate aircraft carriers and conduct operations in more distant waters and airspace,” Kishi told a news conference. “Given that these activities are in the sea and airspace near Japan’s Nansei Islands and Taiwan, we must watch these activities with concern.”

According to the Defense Ministry, eight Chinese warships, including the Liaoning and one of its most advanced guided-missile destroyers, traveled south through the Miyako Strait between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island on May 1 through 2. The flotilla then sailed in the areas between Okidaito and Ishigaki islands, with carrier-based fighters and helicopters repeatedly conducting apparent landing and takeoff training for six straight days until Sunday.

Photos released by the ministry also showed fighters flying in formation after taking off from the carrier.

According to Kishi, Japan’s Izumo — a de facto aircraft carrier that, along with its sister ship the Kaga is the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest vessel — monitored the Liaoning-led flotilla, and remains on alert.

“The Defense Ministry will continue to monitor the movements of the Chinese military in the waters surrounding Japan with a strong sense of urgency,” Kishi added.

Until this month, the Liaoning had not been seen in the area since December, when the carrier led another flotilla on a round-trip voyage through the Miyako Strait for similar training involving ship-based helicopters, fighter jets and other warships.

[PeteHemsley]

“The recent activities by the Chinese military may be an attempt to improve their ability to operate aircraft carriers and conduct operations in more distant waters and airspace"

Yup, that's pretty much what the whole point in a carrier fleet. :/

[cat1]

china still eyeing up Taiwan...

[moonstone_laura]

From Formosa TV English News:

"Liaoning aircraft carrier conducts combat training drills in Western Pacific"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E6zBAZ16UU