Chinese aircraft carriers return home after typhoon escape

In early October 2023, two of China's aircraft carriers, the CNS Shandong and CNS Fujian, returned to their home port in Sanya, Hainan, after leaving last week to evade severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Matmo. Satellite imagery confirmed their safe arrival back at the Yulin naval complex, a significant military hub in the region. Located in the southern island province of Hainan, the Yulin complex plays a crucial role in China's military strategy and serves as a naval base for carrier operations. The ships had initially departed on October 3 for safety and were seen returning to base after the typhoon, which significantly impacted southern China, leading to the evacuation of approximately 350,000 individuals. The ability of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to swiftly navigate typhoon evasion protocols reflects the operational efficiency of the Chinese Navy. The CNS Fujian, China’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, has been conducting testing and training in the South China Sea since mid-September. It features state-of-the-art technology such as an electromagnetic catapult system, which allows it to launch heavier aircraft compared to its predecessors, the CNS Liaoning and the Shandong. This advancement marks a major milestone in China's goal to modernize its naval capabilities and establish dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in contested maritime areas. China's assertiveness in the South China Sea is driven by its claim over vast stretches of the sea, despite international rejection of these claims by an arbitral court ruling in 2016. The strategic location of the Yulin complex also facilitates the rapid deployment of military assets to regions with ongoing disputes, emphasizing the geopolitical significance of military infrastructure in this area.