Taiwan ‘watching’ as Liaoning aircraft carrier sails into South China Sea
- Defence ministry has ‘precise information’ about movements and location of carrier and escorts on their current exercise
Taiwan’s military claims to have precise information about the movements and current location of the mainland’s carrier battle group as it sails into the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
The self-ruled island’s defence ministry made the claims in a statement on Thursday but did not elaborate on the position or route of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and its escorts, last officially reported to be passing near Japanese waters on June 11.
“The military has been able to exercise all relevant intelligence to get hold of the entire movements of the Liaoning, including those of its ships and planes throughout its voyage in relevant regions,” the ministry said.
“The military has the ability to safeguard Taiwan and maintain peace and stability in the region.”
Japanese defence officials said the Liaoning was travelling with five other vessels, including two guided missile destroyers and two frigates, when it passed through the Miyako Strait – between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island – on its way into the Pacific.