Overview

• The Liaoning and three escort vessels operated about 185 miles southwest of Minamitori Island within Japan’s exclusive economic zone, marking China’s deepest carrier foray into the Pacific.
• After exiting Japan’s EEZ, the carrier conducted fighter jet and helicopter takeoffs and landings to test long-range combat readiness.
• Observers noted this deployment was the first time a Chinese carrier group was seen operating east of the second island chain, a strategic boundary of U.S. and allied bases.
• Japan’s Defence Ministry said Haguro was sent to shadow the vessels, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed Tokyo had lodged a message with Beijing over the incursion.
• Analysts view the operation as part of China’s effort to enhance its ability to project naval power into distant waters and counter potential U.S. force deployments in the Western Pacific.