Overview
- China said the Liaoning carrier group has started training in the western Pacific that includes live-fire exercises.
- State broadcaster CCTV said the plan features far-sea tactical flights along with support and cover missions.
- The navy called the drills routine under its annual program and gave no precise location or end date.
- Japan protested sparse notices after a December stand-off, saying Chinese J-15s locked fire-control radar on JASDF F-15s near Okinawa.
- A Liaoning deployment last May lasted about a month, so regional forces may prepare for a longer presence this time.