China's aircraft carrier Shandong has made significant strides in combat capacity over the past five years, with groups of soldiers now proudly guarding the carrier as it confidently sails toward blue waters.
One of the naval officers piloting aircraft, Qiu Zekai, along with his comrades, has grown alongside the Shandong aircraft carrier.
As an aircraft handler, Qiu must quickly assess the situation of both pilots and aircraft in just a few seconds. Using his professional knowledge and efficient gestures, he plays a crucial role in maximizing the aircraft's potential. The combat capability of an aircraft carrier is directly reflected in its sortie rate. The key is speed.
"Data shows that last year, we reached the highest number of sorties to date. This year, we've maintained excellent performance and continued to break records. This efficiency is what powers Shandong's journey into blue waters," said Qiu.
Qiu recalls being impressed by the sight of missiles being launched from a destroyer, soaring into the sky like arrows.
"This was my first time witnessing a missile launch. I was both shocked and excited, with my heart pounding. The combat capability of our crew was right before our eyes," said Qiu.
Looking ahead, Qiu is confident that he will pilot even more advanced aircraft on a variety of aircraft carriers, which will continue to sail further into the future.
The Shandong — China's second aircraft carrier and the first wholly designed and built in the country — displaces at least 50,000 metric tons of water. Commissioned in December 2019 to the South Sea Fleet, it is currently the largest and most sophisticated naval ship now in any Asian navy.
Shandong aircraft carrier advances toward blue waters with enhanced combat capability
Thousands of Greenlanders, joined by government officials, marched across the capital Nuuk on Saturday to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to take over the territory.
In Nuuk, people began gathering from early afternoon, chanting "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders."
The protest drew broad participation, including Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who waved a Greenlandic flag. Many participants wore caps bearing the words "Make America Go Away."
Before marching to the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, the crowd gathered for a minute of silence.
Then they sang Ayaya songs, a traditional Inuit way of sharing experiences, resolving conflict, and de-escalating tension.
Orla Joelsen who organized the protest said Trump should stop the psychological threats against Greenland.
The psychological impact of Trump's threats is being felt strongly by many there.
"I live in danger. I also don't get so much sleep because in all the news there I see is about Donald Trump wants to buy Greenland, and Greenland is not for sale, and we will never be for sale," said Parnuna Olsen, a protester.
When asked about how she felt in terms of Trump's threat, another protester named Jane said: "Stomachache, nervousness, how this is going to end. Because I know he wants revenge. I don't know any nice words about him."
"I have completely lost for words for what he is doing now. It is just completely insane," said Malik Dolleruk Sehebel, another protester.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.
Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his interest in Greenland, from "buying" the island during his first presidential term, to the current employment of "a range of options" including "utilizing the U.S. military" to seize the autonomous island.
Later in the afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose 10-percent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland over Greenland issue starting on Feb 1.
Those tariffs would increase to 25 percent on June 1, and would continue until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland, Trump said on social media.
Greenlanders march across Nuuk against Trump's threat of takeover
