The Liaoning aircraft carrier group of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy holds far sea real combat scenario exercises in the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and the West Pacific in December, 2021. Photo: PLA Navy

After sailing across the Miyako Strait on Friday, the aircraft carrier Liaoning of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has reportedly started to host fighter jet exercises in the Philippine Sea, with analysts saying on Monday that the ongoing drills could feature more sophisticated and realistic combat-oriented courses than last time in May.

Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force spotted the PLA Navy’s aircraft carrier Liaoning, together with the Type 054A frigate Zaozhuang, the Type 052D destroyer Chengdu, the Type 055 large destroyer Wuxi and the Type 901 comprehensive replenishment ship Hulunhu, operating on Saturday in the West Pacific waters to the south of Japan, after the Chinese aircraft carrier group made a transit in the Miyako Strait on Friday, Japan’s Ministry of Defense Joint Staff said in a press release on Sunday.

During the process, it was confirmed that carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters took off and landed on the aircraft carrier Liaoning, according to the press release.

Photos attached to the Japanese press release show that aircraft involved in the drills included the Z-18 carrier-based helicopter and the J-15 carrier-based fighter jet.

Officials from Japan’s Defense Ministry believe the Chinese military carried…