The Japanese government announced on Monday, June 9th, that it had observed for the first time two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, simultaneously operating in the Pacific Ocean. The vessels were spotted near a remote island in southern Japan, with some of the exercises taking place inside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Japanese authorities believe that China is using this opportunity to strengthen its capabilities for long-range operations and have escalated diplomatic interactions while increasing surveillance.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong (with hull number 17) was accompanied by four other vessels including a Type 055 missile destroyer (hull number 107, known as the Zunyi), two Type 054A frigates (hull numbers 571, the Yuncheng missile frigate, and 572, the Hengshui missile frigate), and a Type 901 integrated supply ship (hull number 905, the Chaganhu). They were sighted approximately 550 kilometers southeast of Miyako Island in Okinawa on Saturday, June 7th.
On Monday, the Shandong was observed conducting aircraft and helicopter takeoff and landing exercises in the northern part of Okinotori Island, located within Japan’s EEZ, about 1,700 kilometers from Tokyo.
Simultaneously, the Liaoning (with hull number 16) was accompanied by two missile destroyers – the Type 052D (hull number 122, the Tangshan missile destroyer) and the Type 055 (hull number 104, the Wuxi missile destroyer) – along with a Type 901 supply ship (hull number 901, the Hulun Lake), sailing approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Minamitori Island (also known as Marcus Island). The ships were spotted on Saturday evening and conducted takeoff and landing drills outside the EEZ the following day.
Afterward, the Liaoning sailed southwest and carried out further takeoff and landing exercises outside the EEZ on Sunday.
Japanese officials noted that the Liaoning’s navigation extended beyond the “First Island Chain,” covering the “Second Island Chain” from the Izu Islands to Guam.
In response to both Chinese aircraft carriers appearing simultaneously in Japanese waters, senior Japanese government officials have made statements.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga stated that China’s actions demonstrate its intentions to enhance its capabilities for long-distance naval and aerial missions. Japan will continue to strengthen its maritime and airspace surveillance and has conveyed its position to China regarding the situation.
Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya formally requested Beijing to ensure that China’s actions do not pose a threat to Japan’s security. The government plans to deploy mobile surveillance radars on Pacific islands.
Iwaya stressed, “We will continue to be vigilant and monitor carefully, promptly and appropriately disclose relevant information to demonstrate our country’s determination and capabilities, and deter any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo through the use of force.”
Foreign Minister Taro Kono mentioned that the Defense Ministry had communicated with the Chinese Embassy in Japan and would consider taking further “appropriate measures” based on future developments.