Chinese aircraft carrier sails near Japan's easternmost island for first time

The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning was spotted sailing near Japan’s easternmost island for the first time, in what Tokyo described as a notable expansion of Chinese naval activity in the Pacific Ocean.

The development has prompted heightened surveillance by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces amid increasing regional tensions, Caliber.Az reports citing Japanese media.

According toJapanese Defence Ministry, the Liaoning, accompanied by two destroyers and an additional vessel, was identified around 6 pm on June 7 in waters approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Minamitori Island. The island lies nearly 1,900 kilometres southeast of Tokyo and within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Following its entry into the area, the Liaoning sailed southwest and conducted flight operations, including landings and takeoffs of fighter jets and helicopters on June 8, according to the ministry. This marks the first known instance of a Chinese carrier operating in this particular region.

The maneuver underscores China’s ongoing efforts to expand its maritime presence and military footprint around Japan. Analysts view it as part of a broader strategy that includes bolstering its influence in contested areas and asserting its claims in regional waters.

In response to the carrier's movements, Japan dispatched the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Aegis destroyer Haguro to the area to closely monitor the situation. The Defence Ministry has also stepped up intelligence-gathering and surveillance operations in light of the development.

Tokyo has expressed concern over China's expanding military operations. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed the issue during a press conference, stating: “The government had conveyed an appropriate message to the Chinese side,” though he refrained from confirming whether a formal protest had been issued.

By Vafa Guliyeva