China confirms aircraft carrier Liaoning passed through Taiwan Strait
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Aircraft
Beijing, Jan. 12, 2017 (dpa/NAN) China’s People’s Liberation Army has confirmed that its first aircraft carrier passed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday morning, a move that escalated tensions with Taiwan.
A PLA spokesperson said vessels in the naval formation including the Liaoning were “meticulously operated” during the navigation.
The warships were returning to China after holding drills in the South China Sea.
The return journey coincided with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s trip to Central America which is aimed at strengthening relations with the country’s remaining allies.
The Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that Liaoning completed its passage through the Taiwan Strait and continued its way back to China.
“The operation showed the aircraft carrier is “combat ready.
“However, those who want to separate China’s territory and support Taiwan independence will surely be afraid and panic,” Zhang Junshe, Senior Research Fellow at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute said. dpa/NAN)
(Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/ Julius Enehikhuere)