Taiwan tracks at least 84 PLA warplanes and 33 warships in three days as the Shandong carrier conducts joint sea and air training in western Pacific.

Covers have been taken off all three electromagnetic catapults on the deck of the Fujian, social media photos show, indicating readiness for sea trials and systems testing, and PLA handover as scheduled.

By the middle of this year, the PLA Navy had transferred most of its aviation units to the air force.

Photos circulating on social media show Type 054B frigates at shipyards in Shanghai and Guangzhou, vessels that naval experts say will be bigger and faster than predecessors.

The cover has come off one of the launch systems, a sign that lift-off for its jets could be soon, observer says.

Satellite imagery shows expanded infrastructure at three bases and ships berthed close together to maximise space.

Breakthroughs in electromagnetic launch technology pave the way for a nuclear-powered warship to carry rail gun, laser and high-powered microwave: Ma Weiming.

The vessel and two other ships travel in northerly direction while sticking to median line that serves as unofficial barrier, while Taiwanese military monitors movement and responds ‘appropriately’, Taipei says.

The carrier and its escorts recently took part in a series of drills around Taiwan that were watched by the US and Japan.

Aircraft perform more than 600 take-offs and landings during manoeuvres in April, Japanese forces say.

The Chinese warship is the first non-American vessel to use an advanced electromagnetic catapult system for its warplanes.

The country will also allow university graduates with STEM backgrounds to enter naval aviation pipeline as part of new recruitment drive.

Vessel in Shanghai shipyard could be long-rumoured Type 054B but with mast design similar to Type 055 destroyer, according to analysts.

Flotilla led by Chinese-made Shandong carrier performs ‘confrontational exercises’ as US Navy carries out training and anti-submarine activities ahead of Lunar New Year.

Sheer number of fighter jet sorties shows China’s naval operation abilities have significantly improved, US-based analyst says.

Fujian, mentioned by President Xi Jinping in New Year’s message as among the country’s achievements, is viewed as central to Two Centenaries goals.

The fleet is dominated by the country’s most powerful destroyers and includes supply ships, pointing to longer exercise.

The promotion of flying officers to command positions on board PLA Navy carriers mirrors US approach.

PLA research team says new seal simplifies and speeds up the repair and maintenance of hypersonic weapons.

A state shipbuilding company has previously said the country must be able to achieve a breakthrough in the technology by 2027.

New generation of navy officers aboard PLA’s first aircraft carrier more confident in using the foreign language to warn off planes and vessels.

China launched its third and most-advanced aircraft carrier in June, but its navy lacks a fighter trainer specifically designed for carrier-based operation.

New PLA training videos show off China’s growing inventory of advanced military hardware ahead of 20th party congress.

A video released on Chinese state media appears to show a Chinese navy jet warning off a US guided-missile destroyer.

Mooring trials taking place at the same time as fitting out, which could save time, state broadcaster says.

WeChat post and video show J-15 fighter jets taking off with the Shandong’s ski-jump ramp and landing on the deck aided by arrester wires.

Social media images show five large ships – possibly Type 052D destroyers – under construction at what appears to be a state-owned shipyard.

Recent photo and video evidence shows developments in Chinese early warning aircraft and stealth fighter jets.

Warship was launched a month ago and military analysts expect the process to get it ready for active service could take several years.