The battle group practiced strike and defense maneuvers with CNS Jinanand CNS Changchun, two Type 052C destroyers from the East Sea Fleet, and honed its long-range combat capabilities, the statement said, noting that it was the first carrier battle group combat exercise to be conducted in the western Pacific by the PLA Navy.

Gao Zhaorui, chief of staff of the group, was quoted as saying the mission was aimed at verifying the collaborative ability of the group's vessels and aircraft, examining the group's offensive and defensive systems and fostering the ability of commanders to make decisions when faced with complicated circumstances.