China has deployed the Liaoning carrier strike group into the Western Pacific for long-range live-fire drills, intensifying tensions around Taiwan and raising concerns among U.S. allies. The PLA Navy’s exercises included tactical flight operations, combat simulations and search-and-rescue missions near key Pacific routes east of Taiwan. Analysts say the deployment reflects Beijing’s growing focus on high-intensity naval warfare and signals China’s expanding ability to project power deeper into the Pacific amid rising Taiwan invasion fears.
E-Paper
