Japan’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that, for the first time, two Chinese aircraft carriers were observed operating simultaneously in Pacific waters within or near Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Key Developments:
• On Monday, the new carrier Shandong—accompanied by four support vessels—conducted flight operations, including jet and helicopter takeoff and landing drills, north of the remote Okinotori Atoll.
• A day earlier, Japanese authorities noted that the older carrier Liaoning had entered waters close to Minamitorishima Island, marking heightened carrier activity in the region.
Tokyo’s Response:
• Surveillance Boosted: Tokyo has announced plans to intensify maritime patrols and “step up surveillance” of Chinese naval movements.
• Diplomatic Message: Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Japan “conveyed an appropriate message” to Beijing, urging restraint and adherence to regional norms.
Beijing’s Position:
• Legal Justification: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the deployments as “fully consistent with international law and international practices,” emphasizing that China’s naval posture is purely defensive.
• Call for Objectivity: Lin urged Japan to assess China’s maritime activities “objectively and rationally” during a regular press briefing.