Pacific drills show China's first aircraft carrier has boosted its combat capability, experts say

The Liaoning sails into Hong Kong.Kin Cheung/AP
Photos from Japan's Defense Ministry show fighter jets and helicopters on the Liaoning as it sails with five other naval ships.
Sailing with a greater range of aircraft on board shows a complete formation combat system has been formed, one commentator says.
China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, has conducted drills east of Okinawa involving fighter jet and helicopter operations after entering the Pacific Ocean, indicating increased combat c