![](https://nghiencuuquocte.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Chinese-navy.jpg)
This aerial photo taken on January 2, 2017 shows a Chinese navy formation, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning (C), during military drills in the South China Sea.
The aircraft carrier is one of the latest steps in the years-long build-up of China’s military, as Beijing seeks greater global power to match its economic might and asserts itself more aggressively in its own backyard.
/ AFP / STR / China OUT (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)