China's Liaoning Carrier Group and Bombers Conduct Pacific Drills, Prompting Japan-US Readiness Test

Chinese Naval and Air Forces Conduct Extensive Drills Near Japan

In December, China's military conducted a series of significant naval and air exercises near Japan, involving its aircraft carrier Liaoning and joint bomber flights with Russia. These activities have been widely interpreted as a test of Japan-U.S. readiness in the Pacific, drawing strong responses from Tokyo and Washington. The maneuvers unfolded amidst heightened regional tensions, with both sides offering differing accounts of the events.

Liaoning Carrier Group's Pacific Operations

The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, accompanied by a strike group, engaged in a multi-day patrol and drills in the Pacific Ocean near Japan. On December 8, 2025, the Liaoning group, which included the Type 055 large destroyer Nanchang and two Type 052D destroyers (Xining and Kaifeng), transited through the Miyako Strait and conducted exercises along the Ryukyu Islands. Japanese officials reported that carrier-based J-15 fighters from the Liaoning conducted approximately 50 launches and recoveries on each of two days, indicating high-intensity training. The carrier group's movements saw it operate roughly 190 kilometers east of Kikaijima Island and later travel northeast off the Nansei Islands, reaching around 136 degrees east longitude in the Pacific off the Kii Peninsula before returning to the East China Sea.

A notable incident occurred on December 6, 2025, when aircraft from the Liaoning reportedly directed fire-control radar at Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15 fighter jets. Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described this as a 'dangerous act,' while Chinese officials maintained that the Liaoning formation was conducting normal, pre-announced training in international waters and accused Japanese aircraft of interfering.

Joint Bomber Flights and U.S. Naval Presence

Adding to the complex security landscape, Chinese and Russian bombers conducted joint flights in the region. On December 9, 2025, two Chinese H-6 bombers and two Russian Tu-95 bombers flew northeast off the coast of Shikoku, turning back after crossing 135 degrees east longitude. These joint patrols covered areas including the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Concurrently, the U.S. 7th Fleet aircraft carrier USS George Washington was conducting joint exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) in waters south of the Kanto region. The George Washington had arrived in the area after calling at Guam on December 1 and heading to the Yokosuka Naval Base. From December 8 to December 11, the U.S. carrier conducted an information-sharing drill with the MSDF destroyer Akizuki. Additionally, on December 10, 2025, two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers joined JASDF F-15J and F-35A fighter jets for tactical exercises over the Sea of Japan, a move described by Washington and Tokyo as a demonstration of their resolve.

Japan's Firm Response and Enhanced Defense Posture

Japan responded to these activities by scrambling its fighter jets, including F-15s and F-2s, to monitor the Chinese and Russian military movements. Notably, on December 9, 2025, at Tsuiki Air Base, at least 16 F-2 fighter aircraft were observed conducting training flights, each carrying four ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, in what was seen as a deterrent response to the Liaoning's operations. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reiterated concerns over the 'expansion and intensification' of Chinese and Russian activities around Japan, viewing them as 'intimidation.'

The Japanese government has also taken steps to bolster its defense capabilities. Japan's Cabinet approved a record high defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the coming year, a 9.4% increase from the previous budget. This budget aims to fortify strike-back capabilities and coastal defenses with long-range missiles and unmanned arsenals, reflecting Japan's assessment of China as its 'biggest strategic challenge.' Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's earlier statements regarding potential Japanese military involvement if China were to take action against Taiwan have further underscored Tokyo's evolving security posture.