On Monday, the Japanese government revealed that it will intensify its monitoring of China's escalating maritime activities, particularly after the sighting of the Liaoning aircraft carrier near Japan's easternmost islands. According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the movement of the carrier suggests that China is looking to extend its operational capabilities both at sea and in the air well beyond its coastlines.
The Liaoning was spotted in waters approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Minamitori Island, which lies nearly 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. This location falls within Japan's exclusive economic zone, and the observation took place around 6 p.m. on Saturday. The aircraft carrier was accompanied by two destroyers and an additional vessel, and it proceeded to conduct military exercises involving takeoffs and landings of fighter jets and helicopters the following day, just outside Japan's EEZ.
In response to these developments, Hayashi emphasized Japan's commitment to monitoring and surveillance at sea and in the air. Additionally, he stated that the Japanese government has communicated its concerns to China regarding this incident.
Meanwhile, in response to Japan's worries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserted that the activities of the Liaoning are in full compliance with international laws and norms. Lin characterized China's maritime strategy as defensive and encouraged Japan to adopt a more objective and rational perspective on their activities. The Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier commissioned in 2012, is a refurbished Soviet-era ship sourced from Ukraine and utilizes a "ski-jump" for launched aircraft.
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