Japan Confirms Two Chinese Aircraft Carriers Operating Simultaneously in Pacific

TDT | Manama

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Japanese officials have confirmed that two Chinese aircraft carriers were seen conducting simultaneous operations in the Pacific Ocean for the first time.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated on Tuesday that the Defense Ministry had verified the presence of the Chinese carriers Liaoning and Shandong, each operating in distinct areas near Japan’s remote southern islands.

The Ministry confirmed that the Liaoning was spotted sailing within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Minamitorishima, a remote island located east of Iwo Jima. The Shandong was operating in a separate area of the Pacific, details of which were not disclosed.

In response to the development, Iwaya said Japan had communicated its concerns to Beijing through the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. While he refrained from issuing a formal condemnation, he emphasized that Japan would continue to monitor the situation closely and take “appropriate steps” as necessary to ensure national security.

The incident has drawn attention from defense analysts, who view the dual deployment as a signal of China's growing maritime reach and its ability to coordinate large-scale naval operations far from its shores.