China Deploys 2 Aircraft Carriers Into Pacific For First Time, Japan Raises Concerns

For the first time, two Chinese aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have been spotted operating at the same time in the western Pacific Ocean, far from China’s coastline, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defence.

Japan reported on June 10, 2025, that the aircraft carrier Shandong, along with four other naval vessels, entered Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on Monday, June 9.

The carrier was seen conducting take-off and landing drills with fighter jets and helicopters in waters north of Okinotori Atoll, which lies about 1,740 km south of Tokyo.

Separately, the older Chinese carrier Liaoning was seen entering waters near Minamitorishima, a remote Japanese island located more than 1,800 km southeast of Tokyo, and remained in the area with other Chinese warships on Sunday, according to Japan’s Joint Staff Office.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed in a press briefing that this is the first time they have identified two Chinese aircraft carriers operating in the Pacific Ocean simultaneously.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry defended the carriers’ movement, calling them part of routine training that complies with international law. A ministry spokesperson said the operations were not aimed at any specific country and stated that China’s national defense policy remains defensive in nature.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that China’s expanding maritime activity appears focused on increasing its ability to operate farther from its territory. He said Japan had sent “an appropriate message” to Beijing and would increase surveillance of such activities.

The Joint Staff Office said the Shandong was escorted by warships including the Type 055 destroyer Zunyi, Type 052D destroyer Zhanjiang, Type 054A frigates Yuncheng and Hengshui, and the fast combat support ship Chaganhu. The carrier strike group was spotted 341.7 miles southeast of Miyako Island and performed flight operations on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Liaoning was accompanied by several powerful escort ships including Type 055 destroyers Wuxi and Nanchang, Type 052D destroyers Tangshan and Qiqihar, the Type 054A frigate Yantai, and replenishment ships like Hulunhu and Kekexilihu. These vessels represent some of China’s most advanced warships currently in service.

The Liaoning and its group entered the Pacific from the East China Sea through the international waterway between Okinawa and Miyako Islands between May 26 and 27, and moved southeast until May 30, according to Japanese officials. By Saturday, they were operating near Minamitori.

The carrier traveled further east than Guam, making it the first time a Chinese carrier has moved beyond the second island chain, a strategic boundary in the Pacific that includes Guam, the Marianas, and other U.S.-aligned territories.

Experts in Japan believe China is deliberately increasing its naval presence in these waters to normalise such operations and assess reactions from Japan and its allies.

The Chinese Navy confirmed the deployment of both strike groups in a statement on Tuesday. According to Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng, the training is part of the PLA Navy’s annual plan to improve its “far-sea defenses and joint operation capabilities.” He added that the exercises were not directed at any particular nation and complied with international law.

References: Al Jazeera, Bloomberg

Source: Maritime Shipping News