China’s first aircraft carrier forms ‘evolving pattern’ of voyages in disputed Asian seas

China's Liaoning carrier group is establishing a persistent, predictable operational presence across the first and second island chains—areas of critical interest to Australia's maritime defence and alliance position. The normalization of frequent dual-carrier exercises and transits near Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines signals growing PLA Navy capacity projection that Australia must factor into force-posture, alliance coordination (especially AUKUS), and Indo-Pacific strategic planning.