The aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning leads its battle group on its first combat exercise in the western Pacific on April 20, 2018. (HU KAIBING / FOR CHINA DAILY)

A J-15 fighter jet lands on the flight deck of the CNS Liaoning during the exercise on April 20, 2018. Also participating were several guided-missile destroyers, guided-missile frigates and dozens of aircraft. (HU KAIBING / FOR CHINA DAILY)

In this April 17, 2018 photo, a J-15 fighter jet conducts exercises on the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning. (ZHANG LEI / XINHUA)

In this April 17, 2018 photo, a J-15 fighter jet lands on the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning. (ZHANG LEI / XINHUA)