On a certain date, Xinhua News Agency reported that in a certain area of the South China Sea, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier strike groups conducted their first dual-carrier group exercise, honing and enhancing the system combat capabilities of the carrier strike group. A dream combination of two aircraft carriers, two 10,000-ton destroyers, and 70 carrier-based fighter jets.

Dual aircraft carriers awe peers, what signals are being sent? Join Nine Ten Thousand Miles as we delve into the details.

Dreamy Combination, Powerful Lineup. Double "Ships" in Action. Liaoning is the first aircraft carrier of the Chinese Navy, and its refit and commissioning marked the entry of the Chinese Navy into the era of aircraft carriers. Shandong is the first domestically designed and built aircraft carrier of China, breaking multiple historical records in the development of Chinese aircraft carriers in just over a year, with its combat capability continuously rising. The joint exercise of the two aircraft carriers in the South China Sea not only showcases the formidable strength of the Chinese Navy but also sends a clear signal to the outside world that China possesses strong control over the South China Sea region.

J-20 Stuns in Debut. A notable detail in this exercise was that among the fighter aircraft formations, some were the upgraded J-20 fighters capable of catapult takeoffs. This marked the first public display of the J-20 improved carrier-based fighter with "third-and-a-half generation" characteristics. They appeared in a spectacular formation of heavy carrier-based fighters, fully demonstrating that this model of fighter has achieved mass entry into service. This significant progress not only showcases the accelerated modernization of the Chinese naval aviation force but also indicates that the Liaoning aircraft carrier is playing a crucial role in verifying the combat effectiveness of the J-20 fighter, laying a solid practical foundation for its future deployment and application on the Fujian aircraft carrier.

The naval fleet boasts an impressive lineup. A carrier group typically consists of an aircraft carrier, destroyers, frigates, and supply ships. For this exercise, in addition to the core strength of the dual-carrier formation, the fleet also includes several Type 055 destroyers, Type 052D destroyers, Type 054A frigates, and Type 901 integrated supply ships. With a total tonnage close to 100,000 tons, it is considered one of the most powerful naval fleets in the world today.

"Dual-Core Drive" delivers astonishing combat power. This dual-aircraft carrier formation possesses remarkable capabilities in air defense, anti-missile, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-strike operations. In hypothetical "fleet engagements," the dual-aircraft carrier battle group can implement core deterrence, launch large-scale campaigns for sea and air supremacy, or execute "surgical strikes" on specific targets. This training marks a significant leap for the Chinese navy's aircraft carrier battle groups from "single-core leadership" to "dual-core drive," fully demonstrating the synergistic effects of "+" and highlighting the remarkable enhancement of Chinese naval power.

Gathering far from the shore, deterring the petty. The strategic significance of the double-aircraft carrier tactic cannot be overlooked. The number of aircraft carriers is positively correlated with the deterrence index. There is a view circulating online: for the US military, sending one aircraft carrier signifies serious concern, sending two indicates a severe warning, and gathering three means preparing to take action. The words are crude but the logic is sound. From the historical cruisers and battleships to today's aircraft carriers, these maritime giants have always been the key tools for major powers to demonstrate strength and exert international influence. This "double-carrier convergence" of the Liaoning and Shandong carriers is not only a routine exercise during peacetime as per the annual plan but also reflects the continuous enhancement of our state of readiness and the increasing level of operational readiness, showcasing the practical application of military forces. Its deterrent effect will surely keep the petty awake at night.

Dual Aircraft Carriers Demonstrate China's Strength. Recently, influenced by numerous uncertain factors in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and Korean Peninsula, the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region has become increasingly complex and volatile. Particularly under the support of the United States, countries like the Philippines have frequently intruded and forcibly entered important South China Sea islands and reefs such as the Huangyan Island and the Ren'ai Shoal. Multiple countries including the U.S., Australia, the U.K., Japan, South Korea, and India, under the guise of "freedom of navigation," have frequently conducted provocative "patrols" and military exercises around the South China Sea, becoming significant negative factors that undermine maritime order and disrupt stability in the surrounding regions. The dual aircraft carrier exercises are to some extent a powerful response to external interference forces, reminding them not to entertain any ill-conceived ideas regarding the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea issues. Especially considering the upcoming U.S. presidential election, China's dual aircraft carrier strike groups have sent a clear signal to both candidates: whether it's Harris or Trump taking office, we are undeterred.

Overall, the exercise activities of China's dual-aircraft carrier task force in the South China Sea have clearly demonstrated in the Asia-Pacific region China's military capabilities to rival any maritime power, laying a solid foundation for China and its neighboring countries to engage in maritime security cooperation. Any external forces attempting to create instability in the Asia-Pacific region or provoke maritime disputes will have to reconsider their military strategies and actions.