China deploys 6,000-ton Type 054B warship with carrier near Japan in Pacific drills

China’s Liaoning carrier and a Type 054B frigate carried out joint drills in the western Pacific near Okinotorishima, Japan said.

It was the first known exercise in the region for the new frigate, highlighting China’s expanding far-seas naval reach.

Japan’s Defense Ministry and Maritime Self-Defense Force tracked the carrier group closely and said surveillance would continue.

The operation took place beyond the first island chain, adding to regional security concerns over China’s growing naval activity.