China's Navy launches first-ever three aircraft carrier deployment, marking strategic shift in Asia-Pacific.

According to information published by HK01 on September 24, 2024, for the first time, the Chinese Navy has simultaneously deployed three aircraft carriers: the Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian.
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Chinese PLA Navy's Carrier Strike Group Shandong. (Picture source: PLA South Sea Fleet)

According to reports, these carriers are conducting exercises and sea trials in the Philippine Sea, near Hainan Island, and off the coast of Shanghai, showcasing China's entry into a new era of multi-carrier operations in the region.

The Liaoning and Shandong carriers have long been integral to China's naval forces. The Fujian, China's first domestically built carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapult technology, is currently undergoing its fourth sea trial. Analysts suggest that, once fully operational, the Fujian will operate alongside the other two carriers, further enhancing China’s power projection capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

This simultaneous deployment demonstrates China's improved combat readiness and strategic positioning, particularly in areas such as the South China Sea and around Taiwan. The presence of these carriers, supported by destroyers, submarines, and supply ships, sends a clear message to regional powers about China's growing ability to respond to potential conflicts and extend its naval reach.

Recent satellite imagery confirms that all three carriers were at sea as of September 18. The Liaoning was observed near the Philippine Sea, while the Shandong was conducting maneuvers around Hainan Island. Meanwhile, the Fujian has left its dock in Shanghai for further testing. Reports indicate that each carrier group includes a number of escort ships, including destroyers and possibly submarines, further underlining the sophistication of China's carrier operations.

These movements also coincide with a broader strategic narrative. The Liaoning's recent transit near Taiwan and through waters close to Okinawa, Japan, signals China's intention to project power and secure strategic positions in key maritime areas. Operating carriers east of Taiwan provides the People's Liberation Army with additional options in the event of conflict, enabling potential blockades and enhancing their strike capabilities.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Navy has re-deployed the USS Roosevelt to the South China Sea, underscoring the increasing strategic rivalry in the region. While China's carrier fleet remains technologically behind that of the U.S., the expansion of its naval forces signifies a growing role in global military strategy, with implications that cannot be ignored.