Japan’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that two Chinese aircraft carriers, namely the Shandong and an unspecified companion carrier, have been spotted operating in the Pacific Ocean simultaneously for the first time. According to the ministry, the Shandong, accompanied by four other vessels, sailed within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Monday, conducting landing and takeoff drills involving fighter jets and helicopters in waters north of the Pacific atoll of Okinotori.

This development comes hot on the heels of Japanese officials reporting the presence of China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier near the remote island of Minamitorishima. In response, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced that Tokyo would intensify surveillance and had conveyed an “appropriate message” to China. Hayashi further commented that China’s growing maritime activity seems aimed at bolstering its capability to carry out missions farther from its shores.

When questioned about the aircraft carriers’ movements, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the actions, stating they are “fully consistent with international law and international practices.” Lin emphasized that China’s national defence policy is defensive in nature, urging Japan to view these activities objectively and rationally. “Our national defence policy is defensive in nature. We hope Japan will view those activities objectively and rationally,” Lin said during a regular news conference.

China’s Aircraft Carrier Capabilities

China currently operates two active aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, with a third, the Fujian, undergoing sea trials. The Fujian, launched on June 17, 2022, is China’s first domestically made carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults and arresting devices, boasting a full-load displacement of over 80,000 tons. A fourth carrier, the Type 004, featuring nuclear propulsion, has been under construction since 2024.