Satellite image captures China’s warship from space

China’s CNS Liaoning, its first operational aircraft carrier, has drawn international attention as it was captured docked in the Bohai Sea by NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite. The carrier was later observed conducting sea trials. With a deck measuring 656 feet long and 131 feet wide, its size makes it more compact than some of China’s newer carriers, yet its operational capabilities remain formidable.

NASA’s satellite imagery not only showcased the CNS Liaoning docked among other carriers but also captured the vessel moving out to sea for trials. US Navy officials continue to closely monitor these activities, emphasizing their strategic implications amid escalating regional tensions.

China has strengthened its economic ties with Russia, becoming its largest trading partner in the wake of Western sanctions. This growing alliance has led to significant military collaboration, with recent reports indicating increased joint drills. “China enjoys huge discounts on energy exports while supplying essential technology and goods,” highlighting the depth of this partnership.

China’s naval expansion has been unprecedented, now boasting over 370 warships and submarines—the largest fleet worldwide. Its focus remains on rapidly modernizing its fleet to rival US carrier technology, demonstrating China’s commitment to maritime dominance.

Last year, CNS Liaoning operated near Japan, carrying out extensive flight operations with guided-missile cruisers and destroyers. Approximately 20 fighter launches and recoveries and around 40 helicopter take-offs and landings were reported, reflecting the carrier’s multifaceted capabilities. Between September 20 and October 1, the CNS Liaoning conducted flight operations involving carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters in waters near the Philippines and Guam.

Reports suggest such maneuvers aim to project power and test operational readiness. The CNS Shandong, another key asset of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, recently sailed into the South China Sea. Satellite imagery revealed that the vessel carried out 10 fighter jet launches and the same number of helicopter operations, underscoring China’s commitment to asserting its naval presence.

The United States has positioned its fleet off the northwest coast of Luzon to monitor China’s operations closely. A press release from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude for this support, noting, “As the security environment in the region becomes increasingly severe, maintaining a robust presence…is essential to the security of Japan.”

China’s tensions with Japan have grown due to its alliance with the US. While China has asserted its claim over Taiwan, speculation about potential aggression toward Japan remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, regional powers remain vigilant.

The USS George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5’s forward deployment have been welcomed by Japan. According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this presence is “essential to the security of Japan and the maintenance of regional peace and stability,” illustrating the importance of multinational cooperation in countering rising tensions.

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