Overview
- Japan’s Joint Staff said the Chinese carrier Liaoning and accompanying ships transited north on December 12 between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island into the East China Sea.
- The Defense Ministry indicated the group may be returning after drills in the Pacific and stated that it is closely tracking the fleet.
- About 260 takeoffs and landings of fighter jets and other aircraft from the carrier have been confirmed during the operation near Japan.
- The Liaoning conducted repeated flight operations and linked up with a supply ship, demonstrating sustained at-sea activity.
- A December 6 incident in which a J-15 reportedly illuminated the radar of a JASDF F-15 remains a concern for operational safety during close encounters.