The delivery of US nuclear submarines to Australia under the AUKUS cooperation, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, will place Canberra among the top five countries with such weapons, posing a significant risk to the non-proliferation system.

During a debate on strategic stability at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, Ryabkov said, "We are concerned ... about the recent announcement by the US, UK and Australia to develop a technologically advanced partnership that will allow Australia, after 18 months of consultation and several years of practical effort, to obtain large numbers of nuclear submarines, putting it in the top five countries with similar arsenals. This is a big challenge to the international non-proliferation regime,". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-seeks-to-mend-ties-with-us-amid-row-over-submarine-deal-with-australia-415068">Also read | EU seeks to mend ties with US amid row over submarine deal with Australia</a>

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also stated that Moscow will not repeat its offer to Washington of freezing nuclear warheads for a year.

"This was a one-time proposal. It [the US] missed this opportunity, "Ryabkov said.

"We agreed to set up two working groups that will address these [strategic stability] issues," he said. 
 
Watch | After submarine deal, US Air Force to be stationed in Australia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-submarine-deal-us-air-force-to-be-stationed-in-australia-413828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Russia and the United States have agreed to establish two working groups on strategic stability problems.&nbsp;

"First, we will have to continue the exchange of signals, rather than questions and answers, which are the core of the work at the current stage. It can be done as the work proceeds. For instance, today the methodology included responding to questions that each side had sent to the other before, " he said, adding that the groups will be tasked with analysing each other’s approaches.

"Then, we will see more clearly when it is time for another offline meeting," he noted.

One group would deal with arms control problems, while the other would deal with technical elements of the countries' nuclear arsenals and "each other's activities" that might have a strategic impact, according to Ryabkov.

"In other words, on the one hand, thoughts and theories, and on the other hand, practical issues and what the sides have," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The delivery of US nuclear submarines to Australia under the AUKUS cooperation, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, will place Canberra among the top five countries with such weapons, posing a significant risk to the non-proliferation system.

The delivery of US nuclear submarines to Australia under the AUKUS cooperation, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, will place Canberra among the top five countries with such weapons, posing a significant risk to the non-proliferation system. During a debate on strategic stability at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, Ryabkov said, "We are concerned ... about the recent announcement by the US, UK and Australia to develop a technologically advanced partnership that will allow Australia, after 18 months of consultation and several years of practical effort, to obtain large numbers of nuclear submarines, putting it in the top five countries with similar arsenals. This is a big challenge to the international non-proliferation regime,". Also read | EU seeks to mend ties with US amid row over submarine deal with Australia The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also stated that Moscow will not repeat its offer to Washington of freezing nuclear warheads for a year. "This was a one-time proposal. It [the US] missed this opportunity, "Ryabkov said. "We agreed to set up two working groups that will address these [strategic stability] issues," he said. Watch | After submarine deal, US Air Force to be stationed in Australia According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Russia and the United States have agreed to establish two working groups on strategic stability problems. "First, we will have to continue the exchange of signals, rather than questions and answers, which are the core of the work at the current stage. It can be done as the work proceeds. For instance, today the methodology included responding to questions that each side had sent to the other before, " he said, adding that the groups will be tasked with analysing each other’s approaches. "Then, we will see more clearly when it is time for another offline meeting," he noted. One group would deal with arms control problems, while the other would deal with technical elements of the countries' nuclear arsenals and "each other's activities" that might have a strategic impact, according to Ryabkov. "In other words, on the one hand, thoughts and theories, and on the other hand, practical issues and what the sides have," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US submarines transfer to Australia threatens non-proliferation regime: Russia

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore).

In addition, the DAC also approved the issue of RFP for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership (SP) Model.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/important-for-india-china-to-reach-some-kind-of-understanding-jaishankar-at-us-india-strategic-partnership-forum-324381">Important for India, China to reach some kind of understanding: Jaishankar at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum</a>

This project envisages the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of $430,000 million&nbsp;(Rs 43,000 crore).

As per the official press release by the Ministry of Defence, this is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model.

This would be one of the largest 'Make in India' projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-indian-army-is-seeking-future-tanks-amid-tensions-with-china-389540">Why Indian Army is seeking 'Future Tanks' amid tensions with China</a>

With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30-year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India.

This project under SP Model provides a unique long-term opportunity and planning certainty for the industry to invest and support submarine construction. It will also infuse the latest technology and weaponry for submarines in India through a strategic tie-up between the Indian Industry and leading foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-army-targets-ai-powered-battle-tanks-with-eye-on-china-389288">Indian Army targets AI-powered battle tanks with eye on China</a>

There was a long pending need of the Indian Army for the modernisation of its Air Defence guns. These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources.

With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacturing this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-brexit-roadmap-key-takeaways-from-uk-india-trade-deal-382811">Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal</a>

Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approximate cost of $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore) under the Buy and Make (Indian) category.

Further to better equip the Armed Forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate faster induction of required arms and ammunition, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent Capital Acquisitions under the delegated powers to the Armed Forces up to August 31, 2021.

This will enable the Armed Forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore).

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore). In addition, the DAC also approved the issue of RFP for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership (SP) Model. Also Read | Important for India, China to reach some kind of understanding: Jaishankar at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum This project envisages the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of $430,000 million (Rs 43,000 crore). As per the official press release by the Ministry of Defence, this is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model. This would be one of the largest 'Make in India' projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India. Also Read | Why Indian Army is seeking 'Future Tanks' amid tensions with China With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30-year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India. This project under SP Model provides a unique long-term opportunity and planning certainty for the industry to invest and support submarine construction. It will also infuse the latest technology and weaponry for submarines in India through a strategic tie-up between the Indian Industry and leading foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs). Also Read | Indian Army targets AI-powered battle tanks with eye on China There was a long pending need of the Indian Army for the modernisation of its Air Defence guns. These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources. With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacturing this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India. Also Read | Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approximate cost of $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore) under the Buy and Make (Indian) category. Further to better equip the Armed Forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate faster induction of required arms and ammunition, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent Capital Acquisitions under the delegated powers to the Armed Forces up to August 31, 2021. This will enable the Armed Forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

Defence Acquisition Council approves RFP for construction of six submarines at $430 mn

Russia has offered submarines to India for navy's Project 75(I) on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement. It was suggested during the delegation-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-1-billion-line-of-credit-for-development-of-russias-far-east-pm-modi-247730">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

Under the project, India plans to indigenously construct six submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 40,000 crores.

In June, New Delhi had issued an Expression of Interest(s) for the shortlisting of potential Indian Strategic Partners (SPs) for the construction of conventional submarines for P-75(I) project of the Indian Navy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-vladivostok-india-extends-1-billion-credit-line-to-russias-far-east-247757">Moscow</a> has proposed a joint design, prototype construction with full intellectual property rights which will be shared equally. It has offered to jointly develop the AIP (air-independent propulsion) for the submarine but based on the progress that DRDO has already made.

Russia, however, did not offer the fifth-generation fighter Su-57 that was showcased at MAKS airshow. A Russian government source said, "We are not offering it to anyone".

India has ordered $14.5 billion worth of weapons from Russia, an announcement was made by Moscow after the 20th India-Russia Summit on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Russia's chief of federal service for military-technical cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, was quoted by Russian news agency TASS as saying, "Last year and today saw the emergence of a tremendous portfolio of contracts in contrast to all previous years, $14.5 billion. This is an impressive figure, it’s a real breakthrough".

14 government MoUs were exchanged on Wednesday out of which 4 were in the energy sector, 5 in the economic sector, 2 in the infrastructure sector and one intergovernmental agreement to produce spare parts for Russian origin military equipment. 
&nbsp;

Russia has offered submarines to India for navy's Project 75(I) on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement. It was suggested during the delegation-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Russia has offered submarines to India for navy's Project 75(I) on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement. It was suggested during the delegation-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the project, India plans to indigenously construct six submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 40,000 crores. In June, New Delhi had issued an Expression of Interest(s) for the shortlisting of potential Indian Strategic Partners (SPs) for the construction of conventional submarines for P-75(I) project of the Indian Navy. Moscow has proposed a joint design, prototype construction with full intellectual property rights which will be shared equally. It has offered to jointly develop the AIP (air-independent propulsion) for the submarine but based on the progress that DRDO has already made. Russia, however, did not offer the fifth-generation fighter Su-57 that was showcased at MAKS airshow. A Russian government source said, "We are not offering it to anyone". India has ordered $14.5 billion worth of weapons from Russia, an announcement was made by Moscow after the 20th India-Russia Summit on Wednesday. Russia's chief of federal service for military-technical cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, was quoted by Russian news agency TASS as saying, "Last year and today saw the emergence of a tremendous portfolio of contracts in contrast to all previous years, $14.5 billion. This is an impressive figure, it’s a real breakthrough". 14 government MoUs were exchanged on Wednesday out of which 4 were in the energy sector, 5 in the economic sector, 2 in the infrastructure sector and one intergovernmental agreement to produce spare parts for Russian origin military equipment.

Russia offers joint development of submarines to India 

The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

The assets were redeployed from the TROPEX 19 or Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise which is the largest war games of the Indian navy and commenced on January 7.

The Navy in the release said," Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sponsored terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on February 14 led to the rapid redeployment of the Indian Navy for Operations in North Arabian Sea."

"The major combat units of the Indian Navy including the Carrier Battle Group with INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines and scores of other ships, submarines and aircraft swiftly transited from exercise to operational deployment mode as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated," he added.

JeM is a United Nations listed Pakistan based terror group responsible for the Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian security personnel in the last two decades.&nbsp;

Sixty ships of the Indian Navy, 12 ships of the Indian Coast Guard and 60 aircraft were part of TROPEX 19.

The Navy said, "The overwhelming superiority of the Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean."

During a&nbsp;joint press conference on February 28 by tri-services, it was informed that Indian Navy remained&nbsp;deployed as necessary to protect National Maritime Interests and prevent any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain.

The tri-services press conference took place a day after Pakistan launched strikes against Indian military installations on February 27 in response to India's counter-terror operation against JeM terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.&nbsp;

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will be in Kochi on March 18 to preside over the debrief of TROPEX 19.

The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

The Indian navy said that it had deployed its assets including INS Vikramaditya and nuclear submarines in northern Arabian sea in the last week of February amid tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack on February 14. The assets were redeployed from the TROPEX 19 or Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise which is the largest war games of the Indian navy and commenced on January 7. The Navy in the release said," Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sponsored terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on February 14 led to the rapid redeployment of the Indian Navy for Operations in North Arabian Sea." "The major combat units of the Indian Navy including the Carrier Battle Group with INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines and scores of other ships, submarines and aircraft swiftly transited from exercise to operational deployment mode as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated," he added. JeM is a United Nations listed Pakistan based terror group responsible for the Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian security personnel in the last two decades. Sixty ships of the Indian Navy, 12 ships of the Indian Coast Guard and 60 aircraft were part of TROPEX 19. The Navy said, "The overwhelming superiority of the Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean." During a joint press conference on February 28 by tri-services, it was informed that Indian Navy remained deployed as necessary to protect National Maritime Interests and prevent any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain. The tri-services press conference took place a day after Pakistan launched strikes against Indian military installations on February 27 in response to India's counter-terror operation against JeM terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will be in Kochi on March 18 to preside over the debrief of TROPEX 19.

Indian Navy says INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines were deployed in northern Arabian Sea after Pulwama terror attack

Washington has agreed to allow US defence contractors help Taiwan construct its own submarines, Taipei said, welcoming the breakthrough in long-standing ambitions to build up its fleet to counter the threat from China.

Taiwan last year launched a plan to manufacture its own submarines amid deteriorating relations with China after its hopes of buying them from the US came to nothing.

The US State Department has approved granting the licence necessary to sell Taiwan the technology needed for its submarine project.

The approval was a "breakthrough," Taiwan defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said Sunday.

"It is part of a process. We'll take it step by step," he told AFP, declining to provide further details.

The agreement is likely to anger Beijing, which regards the island as part of its territory even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.

Washington's approval comes after President Donald Trump last month signed new rules allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan.

China has protested at the move, saying the US should stop official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid "damaging Sino-US relations".

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main arms supplier.

Since coming to power in May 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen has pushed for Taiwan to develop and build more of its weapons domestically.

Her office expressed thanks to Washington for the licence approval.

"The US government's decision will not only help Taiwan in raising its defence capabilities, it will also greatly benefit security and stability in the region," it said in a statement Saturday.

Taipei has long struggled to procure submarines from the US.

In April 2001 then-president George W&nbsp;Bush approved the sale of eight conventional submarines but there had been no progress on the deal, prompting Taipei's decision to build its own.

The United States has not built conventional submarines for more than 40 years and Germany and Spain reportedly declined to offer their designs for fear of offending China.

Taiwan's navy currently operates a fleet of four submarines, bought from abroad but only two of them can be deployed in the event of war.

The other two were built by the United States in the 1940s and are only used in training as they are too old for combat.

The first domestically-built submarine is expected to be deployed within 10 years.

&nbsp;

Washington has agreed to allow US defence contractors help Taiwan construct its own submarines, Taipei said, welcoming the breakthrough in long-standing ambitions to build up its fleet to counter the threat from China

Washington has agreed to allow US defence contractors help Taiwan construct its own submarines, Taipei said, welcoming the breakthrough in long-standing ambitions to build up its fleet to counter the threat from China. Taiwan last year launched a plan to manufacture its own submarines amid deteriorating relations with China after its hopes of buying them from the US came to nothing. The US State Department has approved granting the licence necessary to sell Taiwan the technology needed for its submarine project. The approval was a "breakthrough," Taiwan defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said Sunday. "It is part of a process. We'll take it step by step," he told AFP, declining to provide further details. The agreement is likely to anger Beijing, which regards the island as part of its territory even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949. Washington's approval comes after President Donald Trump last month signed new rules allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. China has protested at the move, saying the US should stop official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid "damaging Sino-US relations". Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main arms supplier. Since coming to power in May 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen has pushed for Taiwan to develop and build more of its weapons domestically. Her office expressed thanks to Washington for the licence approval. "The US government's decision will not only help Taiwan in raising its defence capabilities, it will also greatly benefit security and stability in the region," it said in a statement Saturday. Taipei has long struggled to procure submarines from the US. In April 2001 then-president George W Bush approved the sale of eight conventional submarines but there had been no progress on the deal, prompting Taipei's decision to build its own. The United States has not built conventional submarines for more than 40 years and Germany and Spain reportedly declined to offer their designs for fear of offending China. Taiwan's navy currently operates a fleet of four submarines, bought from abroad but only two of them can be deployed in the event of war. The other two were built by the United States in the 1940s and are only used in training as they are too old for combat. The first domestically-built submarine is expected to be deployed within 10 years.

US approves licence for Taiwan submarine plan

Beijing flexed its military muscle this week as its sole operational aircraft carrier apparently took part in a huge naval drill with dozens of other vessels in the South China Sea, satellite images showed.

The pictures, taken by Planet Labs Inc., appear to show the Liaoning carrier at the centre of a formation of more than 40 other ships lined up in pairs south of China's Hainan province island on Monday.

China's defence ministry refused to confirm whether the Liaoning took part in drills this week but military experts say the aircraft carrier is identifiable.

Six submarines and two J-15 fighter jets appear to lead the "naval parade", James Char, a military expert at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, told.

"Such a formation serves more of as a visual spectacle with the Liaoning the status symbol of the PLA (People's Liberation Army)," Char said.

"This formation is unlikely to be used in actual combat situations," he said, adding that he would "not be surprised" if it was purposely aimed at being picked up by satellite images.

The show of force emerged days after Taiwan said that the Liaoning and other vessels had passed through the Taiwan Strait on March 20 - the same day that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against any attempts to divide China.

Beijing has also been asserting its vast claims to the South China Sea, transforming reefs into islands capable of hosting military equipment.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have their own claims to the sea, while US warships regularly conduct "freedom of navigation" operations near islands controlled by Beijing.

"We can expect the (Chinese naval) presence in the South China Sea becoming more regular, especially with the increase in freedom of navigation patrols by the United States as well as other countries," Char said.

Jeffrey Lewis, of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said that while it was a "large naval drill", past photos have shown the carrier "travelling in such a formation."

"It was probably transiting to a location," he said.

In another picture taken by Planet Labs on Tuesday, the Liaoning is seen south of Hainan island's Yulin Naval Base, but no longer information with other ships.

Defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang confirmed on Thursday that the Navy has conducted a "routine" drill in the South China Sea to improve the military's "capability to win wars".

"It is not targeted at any specific country or target," Ren told reporters, without saying how many and which ships were involved.

Separately, the air force had announced on Sunday that aircraft, including H-6K bombers and Su-35 fighter jets, had recently participated in a joint combat patrol mission in the South China Sea, according to the official Xinhua news agency, without giving more details.

China's government announced earlier this month an 8.1 per cent increase in military spending to 1.11 trillion yuan ($175 billion). 
The Liaoning is a Soviet-era vessel that was bought from Ukraine, refitted and commissioned in 2012.

Last year, China unveiled its first domestically-built aircraft carrier, which will carry J-15 fighters that will take off from a raised "ski jump" platform. It has yet to be put into operation.

China's defence ministry refused to confirm whether the Liaoning took part in drills this week but military experts say the aircraft carrier is identifiable

Beijing flexed its military muscle this week as its sole operational aircraft carrier apparently took part in a huge naval drill with dozens of other vessels in the South China Sea, satellite images showed. The pictures, taken by Planet Labs Inc., appear to show the Liaoning carrier at the centre of a formation of more than 40 other ships lined up in pairs south of China's Hainan province island on Monday. China's defence ministry refused to confirm whether the Liaoning took part in drills this week but military experts say the aircraft carrier is identifiable. Six submarines and two J-15 fighter jets appear to lead the "naval parade", James Char, a military expert at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, told. "Such a formation serves more of as a visual spectacle with the Liaoning the status symbol of the PLA (People's Liberation Army)," Char said. "This formation is unlikely to be used in actual combat situations," he said, adding that he would "not be surprised" if it was purposely aimed at being picked up by satellite images. The show of force emerged days after Taiwan said that the Liaoning and other vessels had passed through the Taiwan Strait on March 20 - the same day that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against any attempts to divide China. Beijing has also been asserting its vast claims to the South China Sea, transforming reefs into islands capable of hosting military equipment. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have their own claims to the sea, while US warships regularly conduct "freedom of navigation" operations near islands controlled by Beijing. "We can expect the (Chinese naval) presence in the South China Sea becoming more regular, especially with the increase in freedom of navigation patrols by the United States as well as other countries," Char said. Jeffrey Lewis, of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said that while it was a "large naval drill", past photos have shown the carrier "travelling in such a formation." "It was probably transiting to a location," he said. In another picture taken by Planet Labs on Tuesday, the Liaoning is seen south of Hainan island's Yulin Naval Base, but no longer information with other ships. Defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang confirmed on Thursday that the Navy has conducted a "routine" drill in the South China Sea to improve the military's "capability to win wars". "It is not targeted at any specific country or target," Ren told reporters, without saying how many and which ships were involved. Separately, the air force had announced on Sunday that aircraft, including H-6K bombers and Su-35 fighter jets, had recently participated in a joint combat patrol mission in the South China Sea, according to the official Xinhua news agency, without giving more details. China's government announced earlier this month an 8.1 per cent increase in military spending to 1.11 trillion yuan ($175 billion). The Liaoning is a Soviet-era vessel that was bought from Ukraine, refitted and commissioned in 2012. Last year, China unveiled its first domestically-built aircraft carrier, which will carry J-15 fighters that will take off from a raised "ski jump" platform. It has yet to be put into operation.

China's aircraft carrier spotted in huge naval drill

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