Overview
- Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the Liaoning transited between Okinawa Main Island and Miyakojima on December 6 before operating in the Pacific.
- The carrier launched and recovered fighters and helicopters in a sea area about 270 kilometers west of Okidaitō-jima.
- The Japan Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter jets in response, and authorities reported no airspace violation.
- Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers and patrol aircraft tracked the Chinese carrier group, which included three missile destroyers.
- The deployment marks the first confirmed activity near Japan since China expanded to a three-carrier force, with Japanese authorities heightening vigilance as a signal of extended operational reach.