For the first time, two Chinese aircraft carriers were observed carrying out operations simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean, a development that Japan's defense minister interpreted as a sign of China's growing ambitions to expand its military reach.
Chinese Navy spokesperson Wang Xuemeng described the activity as standard training not aimed at any particular nation or region.
However, since May, China has stepped up its maritime presence, deploying an unusually high number of naval and coast guard ships across key East Asian waters. This escalation has raised concerns among neighbouring countries, according to security reports and officials.
Japan's defense ministry confirmed that the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers were active in separate zones of the Pacific near Japan’s remote southern islands.
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that Japan’s swift release of information reflects its commitment to preventing unilateral actions that could alter the regional balance. While Tokyo has communicated with Beijing to ensure the operations do not pose a direct threat, Nakatani refrained from openly criticizing China.
He emphasized that Japan is strengthening its air defense capabilities in the Pacific and will maintain close surveillance of Chinese naval activities.
Earlier reports indicated that the Liaoning had passed through Japan's exclusive economic zone near Minamitorishima, an isolated island east of Iwo Jima.
China's foreign ministry responded by affirming that the operations were in line with international norms. Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that China follows a defensive military policy and urged Japan to view the situation calmly and objectively.
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