NHK has reported that, for the first time, a Chinese aircraft carrier has been confirmed to be sailing in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone around Minamitorishima, an island located in the Pacific Ocean east of Japan. According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed the presence of four Chinese vessels, including the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and three destroyers, navigating in the Exclusive Economic Zone 300 kilometers southwest of Minamitorishima on June 7th. Aircraft were also observed taking off and landing from the Liaoning.
NHK stated that the area where the Liaoning operated is around the “second island chain,” known as a part of China’s defense perimeter against the U.S. The Ministry of Defense views this as an effort by China to enhance its aircraft carrier operations and long-distance operational capabilities, and thus conducted surveillance and monitoring. The island chain refers to China’s maritime security line, with the second island chain connecting Japan’s Izu Peninsula, Guam, Saipan, and Indonesia.