The formations of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea, according to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy.
Aiming to enhance the integrated combat capability of the aircraft carrier formations, the exercise was part of the Liaoning aircraft carrier formation's regular real-combat training in the high seas, which concluded recently.
The training was conducted in waters including the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and the South China Sea, featuring multiple subjects under real-combat circumstances, the navy said.
During the training, after reaching the designated sea area, several J-15 fighters took off from the flight deck of the Liaoning aircraft carrier and flew to the designated airspace to carry out realistic exercises.
Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, was delivered and commissioned to the PLA Navy in September 2012.
Chinese navy conducts dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for first time
China and the European Union share significant potential for cooperation across many fields and should view each other as friends advancing hand in hand for common progress, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG).
In the interview that aired on Friday, the president emphasized that China and the EU are partners, not adversaries.
"We are very pleased to see the growing level of exchanges between EU institutions and China recently. Having served in the European Parliament for many years, I know very well that there is a dedicated delegation within the Parliament responsible for maintaining contacts with China. Over the years, dialogues and exchanges between Europe and China have never been halted. Of course, we hope that these exchanges will become even more solid and sustainable. Both sides need to meet more often, communicate more, and engage in deeper discussions. I would like to emphasize once again that there should be no sense of competition or jealousy between us. We should not see each other as rivals, but as partners moving forward together," said Iotova.
She highlighted that Bulgaria plays a key role in China-EU cooperation as an important participant with a unique geographical position.
"Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007. This allows us to serve as a bridge between China and the EU as a whole in developing their relationship. In addition, as we often say, geographically, Bulgaria is at a 'crossroads.' Bulgaria can serve as an open gateway to other neighboring countries. We can jointly carry out cooperation projects. That is why, in several meetings, I have emphasized one clear point: in the future, there will be many more areas where we can work together," the president said.
China, EU must join hands for common progress: Bulgarian president
