China's aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out dual aircraft carrier formation exercises for the first time in the South China Sea, the PLA navy said, a move that sets China's navy up for more diverse and complex missions.

China's People's Liberation Army Navy has undertaken dual aircraft carrier formation exercises in the South China Sea for the first time, involving its Liaoning and Shandong carriers. This development aims to enhance combat capabilities and demonstrate the PLA Navy's power in the region amid ongoing territorial disputes.

A satellite image capturing an unidentified flat-top vessel at a shipyard in southeastern China has sparked international intrigue and speculation. The vessel, which does not appear to resemble any known Chinese ships currently in development,

The formations of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carry out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea in late October 2024. The exercise was part of the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation's regular real-combat training in the high seas, which concluded recently. (Photo by Sun Xiang/Xinhua)

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) conducted dual aircraft carrier exercises for the first time last month. China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on Thursday (Oct. 31) said the Liaoning and Shandong conducted dual aircraft carrier formation exercises for the first time in the South China Sea.

State television report shows Liaoning and Shandong sailing side by side in exercises aimed at improving ‘systematic combat capability’.

Photos show its Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers carrying out dual operations for the first time in the South China Sea.