Story perspectives

Liaoning conducts first western Pacific live-fire, eyes nuclear carrier

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

China’s Liaoning carrier launched its first western Pacific live-fire training exercise amid heightened regional tension.
The navy said the drills, which include far-sea tactical flight, follow its annual training plan.
State media suggested the Liaoning may be modified to host the J-35 stealth fighter, currently limited to the Fujian carrier.
Satellite images of the under-construction Type 004 hull show compartments consistent with shielded nuclear-reactor containment, indicating a possible nuclear-powered carrier.

History

Historical Context

USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world’s first nuclear-powered carrier, was commissioned in November 1961 and served 51 years before deactivation in December 2012. That same month China commissioned the ex-Soviet carrier Liaoning, launching its first J-15 flight in November 2012. The parallel milestones illustrate the transition from U.S. nuclear carrier dominance to a new era of regional carrier development.

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Story summary

China’s Liaoning carrier launched its first western Pacific live-fire training exercise amid heightened regional tension.
The navy said the drills, which include far-sea tactical flight, follow its annual training plan.
State media suggested the Liaoning may be modified to host the J-35 stealth fighter, currently limited to the Fujian carrier.
Satellite images of the under-construction Type 004 hull show compartments consistent with shielded nuclear-reactor containment, indicating a possible nuclear-powered carrier.

1 / 2