The Shandong aircraft carrier has been at the forefront of recent Chinese naval activities, undertaking various significant sorties that underscore China’s evolving maritime capabilities. Commissioned in December 2019, this domestically built carrier has steadily increased its operational tempo, playing a pivotal role in the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) expanding reach across the Indo-Pacific. Its latest deployments highlight a concerted effort to enhance far-seas operational experience and project power.
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Recent Engagements and Milestones
In the past few months, the Shandong has been particularly active, demonstrating increased proficiency in diverse maritime environments. A significant development was its participation in a dual-carrier operation in the Western Pacific alongside the Liaoning. This marked a historic first, as both of China’s operational aircraft carriers were spotted simultaneously in the region, signaling Beijing’s growing confidence in multi-carrier deployments. This joint exercise aimed to test their capabilities in far seas protection and joint operations, including maritime strikes, air and missile defense, and anti-submarine warfare.
Key Points Summary
- Dual-Carrier Deployment: The Shandong operated concurrently with the Liaoning in the Western Pacific in early June 2025, a significant first for the PLAN.
- High Sortie Rate: Since its commissioning, the Shandong has facilitated nearly 10,000 aircraft sorties, with recent exercises showing a high operational tempo.
- Hong Kong Visit: In early July 2025, the Shandong led a naval formation to Hong Kong for a five-day visit, showcasing naval modernization.
- Far Seas Training: Continuous training in the Western Pacific and South China Sea aims to enhance combat readiness for distant missions.
- Increased Capability: The carrier’s air wing has achieved full all-weather operational capability, marking a continuous enhancement of its comprehensive combat capability.
During these extended deployments, the Shandong’s carrier-borne fighter jets and helicopters conducted numerous takeoff and landing operations, both day and night. Official reports from July 2025 revealed that the carrier has hosted nearly 10,000 sorties of various types of carrier-based aircraft since its commissioning five years ago. This consistent growth in the Shandong aircraft carrier sorties rate continuously sets new records for combat readiness and operational tempo, indicating a maturation of the PLAN’s carrier aviation capabilities.
The Hong Kong Port Call
A notable event in early July 2025 was the Shandong’s highly publicized visit to Hong Kong. Leading a naval formation that included guided missile destroyers and frigates, the carrier anchored in Victoria Harbour. This five-day port call, from July 3rd to 7th, was not merely a diplomatic gesture but also an opportunity to showcase the modernization of the PLAN to the public. Thousands of residents had the chance to visit the carrier and its escort vessels, offering a rare glimpse into China’s naval might. The visit, while emphasizing patriotism, also served as a display of the carrier’s readiness and capabilities following its recent rigorous far-seas training.
This visit followed intensified PLAN maneuvers near Taiwan and regular patrols across disputed waters, indicating a continuation of China’s strategy to normalize its naval presence in sensitive maritime regions. The carrier’s return to its homeport in Sanya, Hainan Island, after the Hong Kong visit underscores its continued role in the South China Sea.
Enhancing Far-Seas Combat Readiness
The repeated and increasingly complex Shandong aircraft carrier sorties are central to China’s efforts to develop a truly blue-water navy. The exercises are designed to test and refine the carrier’s ability to operate effectively far from mainland shores. This includes integrated drills on maritime strikes, air and missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range logistics support. The carrier’s air wing has now achieved full all-weather operational capability, signifying a significant leap in its comprehensive combat effectiveness. This advancement makes the Shandong fully qualified for demanding far-seas defense missions.
The operational patterns of the Shandong, including its passage through strategic choke points like the Luzon Strait and its presence in the Philippine Sea, illustrate a clear intent to project power beyond the “first island chain.” As the PLAN continues to gain experience and refine its tactics, these sorties will remain a key indicator of China’s growing naval power and its implications for regional security.
In conclusion, the recent activities of the Shandong aircraft carrier highlight a dynamic period for the PLAN. Its intensified sorties, landmark dual-carrier operations, and public engagements reflect a navy rapidly expanding its capabilities and global footprint. Understanding these developments is crucial for anyone following maritime affairs.
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