For the first time, two Chinese aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, were spotted operating simultaneously in the western Pacific Ocean, well away from China's coastline, according to Japan's Ministry of Defence. On June 10, 2025, Japan reported that the Shandong, accompanied by four other naval vessels, entered Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Monday, June 9. The carrier was observed conducting takeoff and landing drills with fighter jets and helicopters in waters north of Okinotori Atoll, which is located about 1,740 kilometers south of Tokyo.
Meanwhile, the older Chinese carrier, Liaoning, was seen entering waters near Minamitorishima, a remote Japanese island situated over 1,800 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. It remained in the area alongside other Chinese warships on Sunday, as noted by Japan's Joint Staff Office. Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani stated in a press briefing that this marks the first instance of Chinese aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific Ocean at the same time.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry justified the carriers' activities, labeling them as part of routine training compliant with international law. A ministry spokesperson emphasized that these operations were not directed at any specific country and reiterated that China’s national defense policy is fundamentally defensive in nature.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi remarked that China’s increasing maritime operations appear aimed at enhancing its ability to operate further from its own territory. He mentioned that Japan had sent a clear message to Beijing and indicated that the country would bolster surveillance of such activities.
The Joint Staff Office reported that the Shandong was escorted by warships, which included the Type 12 destroyer Zunyi, the Type 052D destroyer Zhanjiang, the Type 054A frigates Yuncheng and Hengshui, as well as the fast combat support ship Chaganhu. The carrier strike group was spotted approximately 3,417 miles southeast of Miyako Island and was engaged in flight operations on Monday.
On the other hand, the Liaoning was accompanied by a formidable escort fleet, consisting of Type 05 destroyers Wuxi and Nanchang, Type 052D destroyers Tangshan and Qiqihar, the Type 054A frigate Yantai, along with replenishment ships like Hulunhu and Kekexilihu. These vessels represent some of China’s most advanced warships currently in service.
The Liaoning and its fleet entered the Pacific from the East China Sea via the waterway between Okinawa and Miyako Islands between May 26 and 27, making their way southeast until May 30, according to Japanese officials. By Saturday, they were operating near Minamitori, having traveled further east than Guam. This marks the first time a Chinese carrier has ventured beyond the second island chain, a strategic boundary in the Pacific that includes Guam, the Marianas, and other US-aligned territories.
Experts in Japan believe that China is deliberately expanding its naval footprint in these waters to normalize such operations and gauge the reactions from Japan and its allies. The Chinese Navy confirmed the deployment of both carrier strike groups in a statement on Tuesday. Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng noted that the training is part of the PLA Navy's annual plan to enhance its long-range sea defenses and joint operational capabilities. He reiterated that the exercises were not aimed at any specific nation and complied with international law.
References: Al Jazeera, Bloomberg
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