Overview

• Japan’s defense ministry confirmed that the carriers Liaoning and Shandong, along with accompanying warships, entered its EEZ near Okinotori Atoll Liaoning became the first Chinese carrier to cross the Second Island Chain before carrying out fighter jet training within Japanese waters
• Shandong led a flotilla of four warships into waters 550 kilometers southeast of Miyako Island to conduct helicopter and combat aircraft operations
• Officials say the exercises reflect China’s strategy to sharpen its distant-area naval capabilities, pushing US forces out of the First Island Chain
• The maneuvers form part of Beijing’s broader push to dominate the area west of the Second Island Chain between the Ogasawara Islands and Guam