Chinese navy Dual Aircraft Carrier Drills Near Japan Spark Regional Tensions
Key Developments
- Unprecedented Drills: China deploys two aircraft carriers (Shandong & Liaoning) simultaneously in Pacific near Japan
- Japanese Protest: Tokyo releases rare tracking map of Chinese carriers (May 25–June 16), citing 500+ fighter jet sorties
- Close Encounters:
- Chinese jet followed Japanese surveillance plane for 40+ minutes (June 7)
- Another crossed dangerously close (June 8), risking collision
Why This Escalation Matters
- Strategic Firsts:
- Liaoning becomes first Chinese carrier to sail past US-defined “Second Island Chain” (Japan-Guam line)
- Fujian carrier (with US-level electromagnetic catapults) set for 2025 debut
- Diplomatic Clash:
- China: “Legal drills; Japan’s reconnaissance caused risks” (FM Lin Jian)
- Japan: “Abnormal approaches threaten safety” (Cabinet Sec. Hayashi)
- Broader Context:
- Follows February’s Tasman Sea drills that alarmed Australia/NZ
- USS Nimitz exits South China Sea amid Israel-Iran war, reducing US regional presence
Military Capabilities in Focus
🇨🇳 China’s Naval Expansion:
- Shandong/Liaoning: Current carriers with ski-jump takeoffs
- Fujian (2025): Electromagnetic catapults will enable faster, heavier launches (matching US tech)
🇯🇵 Japan’s Response:
- Public disclosure of Chinese movements breaks precedent
- Strengthening defenses with US ally amid East China Sea disputes
