China as it draws up plans to base an aircraft carrier near the state. Military chiefs plan to place the carrier in the region in a bid to counter an "increasingly assertive" China, reports The Times.
It has been revealed by the outlet, the first of a set of two carriers – HMS Queen Elizabeth – will set off for its maiden grand voyage early next year.
On its arrival, the carrier will join in military exercises with allies, the United States and Japan.Costing £3.1 billion, the vessel may also be used as a "floating trade fair," according to a defence source.This comes as an expert warned last month a looming conflict between the US and China is higher than ever before as tensions reach new heights.With the carrier strike group, two squadrons.
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