Aircraft carrier Liaoning begins drills in sensitive South China Sea with battle group
China's first aircraft carrier begins first battle formation training drills in the politically sensitive waters of the South China Sea
China's first aircraft carrier has set off for training exercises in the politically sensitive waters of the South China Sea.
It is the first time the Liaoning has carried out drills in the area, parts of which are claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines.
Beijing is currently embroiled in a diplomatic row with Japan after Chinese forces set up an air defence zone over the East China Sea over the weekend which includes disputed islands also claimed by Tokyo.
Watch: The South China Sea dispute explained
The Liaoning was escorted by two guided missile destroyers, the Shenyang and the Shijiazhuang, as well as two advanced missile frigates, the Yantai and the Weifang as it left the port of Qingdao yesterday, a report posted on the PLA navy website said.
The Liaoning has conducted more than 100 exercises and drills since it entered service in September last year, but almost all were conducted in the Yellow Sea near the carrier's home base of Qingdao. It is the first time the carrier has conducted a drill as part of a battle group.
