Overview
- The Shandong and Liaoning conducted flight operations within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone around Okinotori atoll on June 9, marking the first simultaneous carrier deployment in the Pacific.
- Liaoning’s carrier group also entered waters east of the second island chain near Ogasawara and Guam, a move Tokyo says broadens China’s naval reach.
- Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani lodged diplomatic protests and vowed to maintain close surveillance of Chinese naval activities around Japan.
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the carrier operations as fully compliant with international law and maritime norms.
- U.S. and allied officials warn that China’s growing carrier fleet, including the soon-to-be-commissioned Fujian, could intensify efforts to diminish U.S. influence within the first island chain.