China’s Naval Milestone: First Simultaneous Deployment of Three Aircraft Carriers

In a historic show of naval strength, China has simultaneously deployed three aircraft carriers at sea for the first time. This significant milestone for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) highlights its expanding naval capabilities and ambitions to exert influence beyond its borders. This development follows China’s deployment of three icebreakers to the Arctic and a joint operation with Russia that involved over 400 warships and 120 aircraft in “Ocean 2024.”

The three carriers involved are the Liaoning, Shandong, and the Fujian, which is China’s largest and first domestically designed aircraft carrier. Although still undergoing sea trials, the presence of the Fujian represents a major advancement in China’s naval aviation.

Recent satellite imagery confirmed that all three carriers were operational at sea, with the Liaoning in the Philippine Sea, the Shandong near Hainan Island, and the Fujian near Shanghai. Each carrier was accompanied by a fleet of destroyers, frigates, and support vessels, showcasing PLAN’s capability for coordinated operations across multiple regions.

While the Liaoning and Shandong have frequently been deployed together, the inclusion of the Fujian suggests plans for more regular multi-carrier operations. This summer alone, China conducted three such deployments, indicating a normalization of its carrier presence in the Western Pacific.

China’s naval maneuvers also send a clear message to regional powers, particularly through operations near Taiwan, which increase concerns about potential offensive actions. Taiwan’s Minister of Defense noted the difficulty in distinguishing between military exercises and possible attacks, raising the island’s alert status.

Meanwhile, the US Navy’s USS Theodore Roosevelt has returned to the South China Sea, highlighting the growing competition in the region as it temporarily left the Western Pacific without any U.S. carriers.

Additionally, China and Russia recently conducted joint naval exercises named “Ocean 2024,” involving a significant number of warships and aircraft, aimed at challenging Western naval dominance. This exercise included Russian aircraft entering the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, indicating a willingness to test US defenses.

In the Arctic, China is rapidly expanding its fleet, having dispatched three icebreakers this summer. The US has limited presence in the Arctic, as its only active icebreaker is currently undergoing repairs.

Looking ahead, the commissioning of the Fujian, expected by 2026, will further enhance China’s global naval power and its ability to project military force. Despite being outmatched by the US Navy’s fleet, China’s growing carrier capabilities and strategic integration signify a shift in the balance of power in the Western Pacific and beyond.