Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang stated on October 29, 2026 that the Liaoning's western Pacific training was an annual routine exercise not directed at any country.

From the articleTaiwan flags 'obvious' threat from 50 Chinese vessels in wide sweep of waters | ReutersAlso in Taiwan says vast Chinese armada of 50 vessels spotted near island, China deploys over 50 vessels in western Pacific, raising alarm in Taiwan, Japan & the Philippines, Taiwan flags ‘obvious’ threat from 50 Chinese vessels across regional waters