China's first aircraft carrier has set off to the Western Pacific as part of a routine series of drills taking place in the East China Sea. It is the first time the Liaoning aircraft carrier will be deployed to 'distant sea waters' and break away from the strategically positioned Island Chain concept.

Details of the location, route and duration have not yet been revealed. The exercise comes amid tense times between Taiwan and the Chinese Mainland. Military drills have been carried out periodically in the East China Sea since 2012.