PLA holds routine drills in western Pacific with Liaoning carrier

The People's Liberation Army Navy sent its Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group to the waters of the western Pacific to conduct routine training exercises on Wednesday, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The exercise, held in accordance with the annual plan, is aimed at testing and improving the group's realistic training level as well as enhancing their combat-readiness.

The PLA Navy says in a statement that the move complies with relevant international law and practices and is not directed against any specific party or target.