China, which has the world's largest navy by hull count, continues to expand its military reach and presence in the Pacific Ocean.

By sending warships beyond Japan, the Chinese Navy is demonstrating its ability to project sea and air power far past its home waters.

Two Chinese aircraft carrier strike groups have simultaneously deployed to the Western Pacific – a first for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), Japanese officials said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) left its homeport in Japan on Tuesday for carrier air wing qualifications.