Story perspectives

Chinese Carrier Liaoning Returns After 40-Day South China Sea Drills

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Liaoning returned to its home port on June 22 after 40 days of training in the South China Sea and western Pacific.
The drills featured live-fire exercises and joint operations with an amphibious assault ship for far-sea coordination.
Chinese officials said the drills covered air-defence, anti-ship strikes, support missions, long-range rescue and complied with international law.
Japanese vessels and aircraft tracked the carrier at close range, which Chinese sources called harassment.

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Story summary

Liaoning returned to its home port on June 22 after 40 days of training in the South China Sea and western Pacific.
The drills featured live-fire exercises and joint operations with an amphibious assault ship for far-sea coordination.
Chinese officials said the drills covered air-defence, anti-ship strikes, support missions, long-range rescue and complied with international law.
Japanese vessels and aircraft tracked the carrier at close range, which Chinese sources called harassment.