By Jiang Chenglong
The CNS Shandong aircraft carrier fleet's recent open-sea combat training was part of its annual schedule and not aimed at any specific target, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Friday, responding to claims that China dispatched the carrier to "deter the Philippines".
Recent media reports reported that commercial satellite images showed the CNS Shandong appeared in waters near the Philippines, with some analysts suggesting that this was China's first deployment of an aircraft carrier to the area to exert pressure.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in an online news briefing, "Recently, the CNS Shandong aircraft carrier fleet conducted open-sea combat training in relevant waters as part of its annual routine, in compliance with international law and practice, and not targeting any specific entity."
"In the future, the Chinese navy will regularly organize similar exercises to continuously enhance the combat capabilities of its carrier groups," he added.
