Liaoning carrier fleet begins western Pacific drills; 15 PLA aircraft, 10 ships around Taiwan

Beijing said a fleet led by the carrier Liaoning began 'routine drills' in the western Pacific on Oct 14, 'not directed at any country or target'. In the 12 hours to 6am Oct 15, Taiwan's MND detected 15 PLA aircraft (13 crossed the median line into the northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ), 10 naval ships and 7 official ships. MND said it is watching for a possible large-scale exercise as the PLA's November–December drill season approaches; none has been held around Taiwan so far in 2026.