China's Historic Aircraft Carrier Maneuver in the Pacific Sparks Japanese Alarm

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A recent publication by Japan’s Ministry of Defense reveals that for the first time,two Chinese aircraft carriers—Liaoning adn shandong—were observed operating simultaneously in the western Pacific Ocean,well beyond China’s shores.

On June 10, 2025, it was reported that the Shandong carrier entered Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on June 9, accompanied by four other naval vessels. The carrier engaged in take-off and landing exercises with fighter jets and helicopters in waters north of Okinotori Atoll,located approximately 1,740 km south of Tokyo.

In a separate incident on the same day, Liaoning was spotted near Minamitorishima—a remote Japanese island situated over 1,800 km southeast of Tokyo—where it remained alongside other Chinese warships. this marked a meaningful moment as confirmed by Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani during a press briefing; it was indeed the first instance where both carriers were identified operating concurrently in this region.The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded too these movements by asserting they were part of routine training activities consistent with international law. A spokesperson emphasized that these operations weren’t targeted at any specific nation and reiterated China’s defensive stance regarding its national defense policy.

Japan’s chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed concerns about China’s growing maritime presence and its implications for regional security. He mentioned that Japan had communicated an appropriate response to Beijing while ramping up surveillance efforts concerning such activities.

The Joint Staff Office detailed that Shandong was escorted by an array of warships including advanced Type 055 destroyers like zunyi and Zhanjiang along with Type 054A frigates Yuncheng and Hengshui. This strike group operated about 341 miles southeast of Miyako Island on monday.

Meanwhile, Liaoning sailed with formidable escorts such as Type 055 destroyers Wuxi and nanchang along with replenishment ships like Hulunhu. These vessels represent some cutting-edge technology within China’s naval fleet today.

According to Japanese officials’ observations from May 26-30, both carriers navigated through international waters between Okinawa and miyako Islands before heading southeast towards Minamitori Island. Notably, Liaoning ventured further east than Guam—a significant milestone as it’s the first time a Chinese carrier has crossed beyond what is known as the second island chain in Pacific strategy involving U.S.-aligned territories like Guam and the Marianas.

Analysts believe this increased naval activity signals China’s intent to normalize operations further from its coastline while gauging responses from Japan and allied nations.The Chinese Navy confirmed their deployment plans through Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng who stated these exercises are integral to enhancing their “far-sea defenses” without targeting any specific country or violating international norms.

References: Al Jazeera, Bloomberg