Fact Check: "China's carriers conducted 520 military landings in just nine days."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that during military drills conducted by China's two aircraft carriers, the Shandong and the Liaoning, there were a total of 520 landings and takeoffs of fighter jets and helicopters observed in the Pacific region over a span of nine days. This information was corroborated by the Japanese defense ministry, which publicly disclosed these military movements, a rare action for Japan concerning foreign military activities (BBC, Kyodo News). The drills involved both carriers operating simultaneously, which is noted as an unprecedented move for the Chinese navy (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that China's carriers conducted 520 military landings in just nine days is supported by multiple credible sources. The Japanese defense ministry's report, which is unusual for its transparency regarding foreign military activities, specifically states that they observed more than 500 landings and takeoffs during these drills (Kyodo News). This aligns with the information reported by the BBC, which also confirms the scale of the military exercises and the proximity of the carriers to Japanese territorial waters (BBC).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from established news organizations and official government reports. The Japanese defense ministry's involvement adds an additional layer of credibility, given that it is a government entity responsible for national security. However, it is important to note that while the data is corroborated by the Japanese government, the Chinese government has characterized its military activities as consistent with international law, which may indicate a potential bias in how the information is presented (BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that "China's carriers conducted 520 military landings in just nine days" is True. This assertion is backed by credible reports from the Japanese defense ministry and major news outlets, confirming the scale and nature of the military exercises conducted by China's aircraft carriers.
