china.org.cn
Shandong Carrier Completes Final 2024 Exercises, Highlighting China's Growing Naval Power
China's domestically built aircraft carrier, Shandong, completed its final 2024 maritime training exercise in Sanya, Hainan, showcasing its enhanced capabilities five years after entering service alongside the Liaoning, and further bolstered by the commissioning of the catapult-equipped Fujian.
- What is the significance of the Shandong aircraft carrier's final 2024 training exercise for China's military capabilities and regional influence?
- China's domestically built aircraft carrier, Shandong, concluded its final 2024 maritime training exercise. Five years after its 2019 commissioning, the Shandong, along with the Liaoning, significantly enhances China's naval capabilities and strengthens its presence in regional operations. This exercise underscores the carrier's growing integration into joint operations and long-range combat systems.
- How did the Shandong's participation in the April 2023 military exercises near Taiwan demonstrate its integration into China's broader military strategy?
- The Shandong's participation in April 2023 exercises near Taiwan, coordinating with air and maritime forces, showcased its operational capabilities. The carrier's ability to launch J-15 fighters rapidly demonstrates its readiness for both defensive and offensive actions. This, coupled with the commissioning of the Fujian, marks a significant advancement in China's naval power projection.
- What are the long-term implications of China's rapid aircraft carrier development, including the Shandong's advancements and the commissioning of the Fujian, for regional stability and global power dynamics?
- The Shandong's consistent record-setting in aircraft takeoffs and landings, culminating in the first dual-carrier exercise with the Liaoning in October 2024, highlights rapid technological advancements. The ongoing trials of the Fujian, China's first catapult-equipped carrier, point to an accelerating pace of naval modernization. This sustained development signals China's growing assertiveness in regional maritime affairs.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative structure emphasizes the Shandong's successes and its role in deterring threats. The headline and opening paragraph highlight the ship's successful training exercise, setting a positive tone from the start. The inclusion of specific details about aircraft launches and successful interceptions of foreign aircraft reinforces this positive framing. This might lead readers to view China's military build-up more favorably than a more balanced account would.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, describing the Shandong's departure as "graceful" and its capabilities as "steadily advancing." The description of foreign reconnaissance aircraft as "provocative" is a loaded term that frames their actions negatively. More neutral alternatives could include "approaching aircraft" or "foreign military aircraft." Similarly, "deter threats from afar" could be rephrased as "maintain regional security."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Shandong's capabilities and achievements, potentially omitting challenges or setbacks faced during its development and operations. There is no mention of accidents, training mishaps, or criticisms of the program. The exclusion of dissenting voices or alternative perspectives on China's naval expansion could limit the reader's understanding of the broader geopolitical implications.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a largely positive portrayal of the Shandong and China's naval growth, implicitly framing it as a necessary deterrent against unspecified threats. This creates a dichotomy between China's actions and the potential responses of other nations, without exploring the complexities of regional security dynamics.
Gender Bias
The article mentions a flight officer, Zeng Wenhui, but does not explicitly highlight gender. The lack of gender-specific language or examples avoids overt gender bias. However, the overall focus on military achievements and technical details could inadvertently overshadow potential contributions of women in the military, which is an area for improvement.
Sustainable Development Goals
The development and deployment of the Shandong aircraft carrier, and subsequent naval exercises, contribute to China's ability to maintain regional stability and deter potential threats. This strengthens national security and contributes to international peace and security, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The article highlights the carrier's role in deterring threats and responding to provocative actions, directly supporting this SDG.