While China's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, had recently conducted a series of night battle readiness exercises, officials did not confirm her attendance at the exercise.

The Chinese base on Hainan Island is named "massively improved" by U.S. analysts. Allegedly, the helicopters took off from a base in Sanya, the southernmost city on Hainan Island in China.

The USNI said the base was "crucial," adding that it had the capacity to "make a difference in the region's balance of power." With satellite images allegedly showing the building of a new dry dock, Chinese forces seem to be strengthening the base.

Maritime Business World