Chinese Carriers in Pacific: First Joint Drills
- Japan is expressing increased concern over China's expanding military activity after confirming that two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, operated together in the Pacific Ocean...
- The japanese Defense Ministry observed the two carriers operating near Japan's southern islands.
- Adding to the tension, Japan reported a close encounter between a Chinese J-15 fighter jet and a Japanese P-3C reconnaissance aircraft.
ChinaS naval power is flexing in the Pacific. Two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, conducted their first joint drills, prompting concern from Japan. This move signals China’s growing capability to project military might. News Directory 3 is closely following the tensions as Japan reports a close encounter between a Chinese jet and a Japanese aircraft during the exercises.Japan is bolstering its defenses in response, while China claims routine training exercises. This marks a significant shift in the region’s power dynamics. Discover what’s next in the Pacific as these naval operations continue.
china’s Naval Power: Aircraft Carrier Drills Worry Japan
Updated June 12, 2025
Japan is expressing increased concern over China’s expanding military activity after confirming that two Chinese aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, operated together in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. This joint exercise highlights China’s growing ability to project naval power far beyond its own borders.
The japanese Defense Ministry observed the two carriers operating near Japan’s southern islands. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that the Liaoning also sailed within Japan’s exclusive economic zone near Minamitorishima, the easternmost island. While there was no violation of territorial waters, japan conveyed its concerns to the Chinese embassy.
Adding to the tension, Japan reported a close encounter between a Chinese J-15 fighter jet and a Japanese P-3C reconnaissance aircraft. According to the ministry, the Chinese jet approached within 45 meters (50 yards) of the Japanese plane, prompting a formal request from Japan for measures to prevent future incidents.
China’s recent deployments included sailing past the first island chain, which encompasses Japan, Taiwan, and parts of the Philippines.The Liaoning ventured even further, reaching the second island chain toward Guam, demonstrating China’s capacity to challenge the U.S. military presence in the region.
“China apparently aims to elevate its capability of the two aircraft carriers, and to advance its operational capability of the distant sea and airspace,” Nakatani said.
In response to China’s increasing military activity, Japan is strengthening its air defenses on remote islands and accelerating its overall military buildup, including the progress of counter-strike capabilities.
The Chinese navy confirmed the deployments, characterizing them as routine training exercises in the western Pacific intended to test capabilities in far seas protection and joint operations. They asserted that the exercises comply with international law and are not targeted at any specific country.
While China possesses the world’s largest navy in terms of numbers, it lags behind the United States in aircraft carriers, with three compared to the U.S.’s eleven. The U.S. maintains a permanent forward-deployed carrier, the USS George Washington, in Japan.
china’s third carrier, the fujian, launched in 2022 and is undergoing sea trials. It features a modern electromagnetic-type launch system, similar to those used by the U.S. While all U.S. carriers are nuclear-powered, providing greater range and power, China is reportedly developing nuclear propulsion for its future carriers.
What’s next
Japan will likely continue to monitor China’s military activities closely and strengthen its own defense capabilities in response to Beijing’s growing naval power and expanding area of operations in the Pacific.