China Says Its Carrier Group Has Reached 'Initial' Combat Capability

China's aircraft carrier Liaoning (C) takes part in a military drill of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in the western Pacific Ocean, April 18, 2018. (REUTERS)

Daily Mail: China says its carrier group has reached 'initial' combat readiness as tensions rise between Beijing and Washington over South China Sea

* The carrier group is led by China's first aircraft carrier, called the Liaoning
* A spokesperson said today that it had reached 'initial' combat readiness
* Also today, China called U.S. claims of it militarising South China Sea 'ridiculous'
* U.S. previously said it would confront China's actions in the disputed waterways

China's carrier group led by the country's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has reached 'initial' combat readiness, the defence ministry said today.

Also today, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson called the U.S. assertions of China militarising the South China Sea 'ridiculous'.

The statements were made by China's defence ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Ren Guoqiang and China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying during separate press briefings.

Read more ....

Update: China says carrier group reaches 'initial' combat capability (FOX News)

WNU Editor: The Chinese PLA Navy Marine Corps is also progressing .... China’s amphibious ambitions emerge in South China Sea (Asia Times).