Chinese Aircraft Carrier Approaches Japan Closer Than Ever Before

On Wednesday, a significant development occurred when a Chinese aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, entered an area close to Japan’s coast for the first time. This action prompted Tokyo to express its “serious concerns” to Beijing, highlighting the rising assertiveness of China’s military maneuvers in the region.

The Liaoning, along with two accompanying destroyers, navigated through the waters between Japan’s westernmost island, Yonaguni, and the nearby Iriomote Island. According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, this movement placed the vessels within Japan’s “contiguous zone,” an area extending up to 24 nautical miles from the country’s territorial waters where Japan can exert control over maritime activities.

This incident was part of a larger fleet movement that took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, during which additional Chinese warships also sailed near the disputed islets in the East China Sea, known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China. The Japanese government has long contested China’s claim to these islets, which are strategically vital to both nations.

Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hiroshi Moriya, stated that the recent actions of Chinese forces are completely unacceptable from both a national and regional security viewpoint. His remarks indicated Japan’s growing alarm over China’s military assertiveness, particularly as incidents involving Chinese military aircraft and ships have been on the rise.

In a related context, an incident last month drew significant attention when a Chinese Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft reportedly violated Japanese airspace. Furthermore, shortly afterward, a Chinese survey vessel was found to have entered Japanese territorial waters near Kagoshima, escalating tensions between the two nations.

In response to the Liaoning’s recent incursion, Moriya confirmed that Japan expressed its concerns through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the need for vigilance. He noted, “China has increasingly expanded and intensified military activities around Japan in recent years.” The Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary assured that Japan will continue to closely monitor Chinese naval activities in surrounding waters and maintain heightened information-gathering efforts.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the maneuvers of the Chinese warships, asserting that their operations adhere to both domestic laws and international norms. This statement reflects China’s ongoing stance regarding its military activities in contested areas, emphasizing a narrative of legality and sovereignty.

In response to these growing concerns, Japan has taken steps to bolster its defenses, particularly in the southwestern region of the country. Key remote islands that play a critical role in Japan’s defense strategy have received increased military attention and resources as part of this strategic enhancement.

The Liaoning itself has a notable history, having been a Soviet-built aircraft carrier before undergoing substantial refurbishment. It was commissioned in 2012 as China’s first aircraft carrier and remains a significant element of the Chinese navy’s capabilities. Presently, China boasts another two aircraft carriers, with one having been fully designed and constructed within the country.

This clash of military interests between Japan and China underscores an ongoing tension in the region, as both nations navigate their historical disputes and modern-day military strategies. Japan’s response, reflecting its commitment to regional security and defense, continues to shape the dynamics of these maritime confrontations.

As developments unfold, both nations are likely to remain on high alert as they address the complexities of territorial claims and military posturing in this increasingly strategic area of the Asia-Pacific region.