China conducted joint military drills in the Western Pacific, deploying its Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers beyond the First Island Chain for the first time. This marks a significant expansion of China's naval power projection capabilities, challenging the US and Japan's regional dominance. The drills involved fighter jet launches and recoveries, showcasing China's growing naval ambitions and its assertion of its right to operate in international waters. China maintains the exercises are defensive and lawful.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.