China Simulates Interception of U.S. Carrier Strike Group Amid Taiwan Contingency Planning July 18, 2025 To

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📰 China Simulates Interception of U.S. Carrier Strike Group Amid Taiwan Contingency Planning
🗓️ July 18, 2025
📍 Tokyo, Japan

📄China’s navy conducted a week-long military drill last month simulating an interception of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group in the western Pacific, Japanese government officials confirmed, in what analysts interpret as a scenario related to a Taiwan emergency.

According to a report published by Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun on July 18, two Chinese aircraft carriers—the Liaoning and the Shandong—were involved in a coordinated exercise beginning on June 7. The Liaoning simulated the role of a U.S. carrier while the Shandong carried out the interception.

The exercise unfolded across the “Second Island Chain,” a strategic maritime line connecting Japan’s Ogasawara Islands with Guam, Saipan, and Indonesia. The Liaoning departed waters near Minamitorishima Island, Japan’s easternmost territory, and sailed west toward China. Simultaneously, the Shandong approached from the south of Okinawa and intercepted the Liaoning, mimicking combat conditions.

As the simulated confrontation unfolded, the Liaoning maintained a distance of roughly 500 nautical miles (926 kilometers) from the approaching Shandong—mirroring U.S. Navy operational protocols to prevent unintended collisions during naval encounters with Chinese vessels.

Yomiuri noted that the Liaoning appeared to mimic the movements of an American aircraft carrier, further underscoring the scenario’s relevance to U.S.-China military dynamics in the Pacific.

Japanese defense analysts believe the drill was aimed at enhancing the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) readiness to prevent U.S. naval forces from intervening in the event of a Taiwan conflict.

Military analysts warn that such realistic and targeted drills by China represent a growing level of preparedness for a high-intensity maritime conflict. The use of actual carriers in simulated operations suggests Beijing is refining its anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities against U.S. naval intervention scenarios.

The drill demonstrates China’s focus on developing maritime interception tactics as part of broader regional security strategy. With tensions surrounding Taiwan remaining high, such exercises are likely to increase in frequency and sophistication—raising risks of miscalculation between U.S. and Chinese forces.

🔗 Reported from Tokyo, Japan – World News Asia-Pacific Desk

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