China Declares Success In Sea Combat Exercises For It's First Aircraft Carrier

The Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, departs from its home port of Qingdao for the South China Sea on Nov. 26. (Photo/Xinhua)

China Says Carrier Tests In South China Sea Going Well -- Reuters

(Reuters) - China's first and only aircraft carrier has successfully carried out a series of tests during a training mission in the disputed South China Sea, state media reported on Monday.

This month's drills off the coast of Hainan Island mark not only the first time China has sent a carrier into the South China Sea but the first time it has maneuvered with the kind of strike group of escort ships U.S. carriers deploy, according to regional military officers and analysts.

The Liaoning has carried out more than 100 tests, including of its combat systems, and training tasks since early December, the official English-language China Daily said.

"The Liaoning successfully performed several tests of the combat system today and organized for the first time comprehensive combat training," the newspaper cited the navy saying in a statement.

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More News On China Declaring A Success In Sea Combat Exercises For It's First Aircraft Carrier

Navy: Liaoning's combat capability tested -- Xinhuanet (China)
Navy: Liaoning's combat capability tested -- China Daily
China tests carrier for sea combat -- Rappler
China's aircraft carrier drills send political and military message -- Reuters