China Deploys Dual Carrier Group in Pacific Waters, Japan Confirms

Japanese defense officials have confirmed a significant naval development, reporting the first simultaneous sighting of China's two operational aircraft carriers conducting activities in the Pacific Ocean. This unprecedented deployment marks a notable expansion of Beijing's ability to project naval power far from its home waters.

Unprecedented Carrier Operations

According to Japan's Ministry of Defence, the aircraft carrier Shandong was observed conducting extensive flight operations approximately 186 miles north of Okinotori Island on Monday. The vessel executed numerous takeoff and landing maneuvers involving fighter aircraft and helicopters within Japan's exclusive economic zone. Accompanying the Shandong were four additional Chinese naval vessels.

Separately, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force tracked the Liaoning, China's first and older carrier, approaching waters near Minamitorishima on Sunday. The simultaneous positioning of both carriers constitutes China's maiden dual-carrier deployment in Pacific waters, demonstrating growing operational sophistication.

Diplomatic Concerns Raised

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Tokyo has formally expressed concern to Beijing through diplomatic channels. While not disclosing specific wording, Hayashi emphasized Japan's intention to strengthen maritime surveillance capabilities in response to China's expanding naval activities.

"These developments indicate China's concerted effort to enhance its capacity for extended maritime operations far beyond its coastal regions," Hayashi remarked during a Monday briefing. The proximity of the exercises to strategically sensitive Japanese-administered islands has heightened regional apprehension.

Beijing's Defense and Regional Implications

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian addressed the carrier deployments during a routine press conference, asserting their compliance with international norms. "These activities strictly adhere to international law and established maritime practices," Lin stated. "China maintains a national defense policy of purely protective orientation and urges objective assessment from all parties."

Military analysts note that dual-carrier operations represent a substantial advancement in China's blue-water naval capabilities. The ability to coordinate multiple carrier groups significantly extends the reach and endurance of China's naval aviation power, allowing for more sustained presence in critical Pacific sea lanes. This development occurs amidst ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan and competing territorial claims in adjacent waters.

The Shandong, China's first domestically built carrier commissioned in 2019, and the Liaoning, a refurbished Soviet-era vessel commissioned in 2012, form the core of China's current carrier force. Their joint deployment underscores China's accelerating naval modernization program, which aims to establish a world-class blue-water fleet capable of global operations by mid-century. Regional defense observers anticipate intensified monitoring of Chinese naval movements as Pacific nations assess the strategic implications of Beijing's growing maritime presence.