Japan reports the first-ever sighting of two Chinese aircraft carriers in the Pacific.

The Japanese Ministry of Defence has stated that two Chinese aircraft carriers have been operating in the Pacific for the first time. The Shandong, along with four other vessels, entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone on Monday. The ships conducted landing and takeoff drills involving fighter jets and helicopters north of the Pacific atoll of Okinotori. This announcement came a day after Japan reported that China’s older aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, had entered waters near the remote island of Minamitorishima. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Tokyo would increase surveillance and had conveyed an “appropriate message” to China, but did not provide further details. Hayashi also commented that China’s growing maritime activity seemed to be aimed at enhancing its capability to carry out missions further away from its shores. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the movements of the aircraft carriers, stating that they were “fully consistent with international law and international practices.” He added that China’s national defense policy is defensive in nature and expressed hope that Japan would view their activities objectively and rationally.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/10/two-chinese-aircraft-carriers-seen-in-pacific-for-first-time-japan-says?traffic_source=rss