China Conducts First Dual Aircraft Carrier Drills in South China Sea

China conducted its first dual aircraft carrier exercise in the South China Sea, state media reported on Thursday.

The Liaoning and the Shandong are the Chinese Navy’s two active aircraft carriers. Footage showed multiple J-15 fighter jets and several warplanes taking part in live combat exercises.

Displays of dominance: China is sending a powerful message of its ability to take control of the South China Sea.

• In 2022, satellite images showed fully militarized bases China had built on artificial islands in the Spratly chain.
• Images also showed missile bases being built on the Paracel Islands, another archipelago in the South China Sea.
• Since then, China has consistently grown more audacious in its displays of dominance in the South China Sea.

Leading to war: In a 2016 article titled “China Is Steering the World Toward War,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote:

China is claiming the entire South China Sea as its own!

By building artificial islands atop coral reefs in the Spratlys, and installing surface-to-air missile batteries in the Paracels, China is building a new strategic sea gate. After passing through the Strait of Malacca, oil tankers and other ships pass between the Spratly and Paracel Islands on the way through the South China Sea.

Whoever controls these vital sea gates controls one third of the world’s maritime commerce.

Though written eight years ago, that landmark article is more relevant than ever. Watch as China’s takeover of this region continues to lead the world toward war.