A Chinese aircraft carrier group has entered Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the first time, prompting concern in Tokyo over China’s expanding naval reach. The Liaoning carrier, accompanied by two missile destroyers and a supply ship, entered the EEZ on Saturday evening before exiting to conduct military drills.
Japan’s defence ministry said it had “conveyed an appropriate message” to the Chinese side, but did not rule out lodging a formal protest. The chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated that Japan will continue to perform its warning and surveillance duties at sea and in the air.
The incursion adds to concern in Tokyo and Washington about China’s increasingly assertive naval and air activity in Japanese waters. A longstanding territorial dispute over the Senkakus, uninhabited islets in the east China Sea, also contributed to Japan’s unease.
This marks the first time a Chinese vessel has entered Japan’s EEZ within 200 nautical miles of its coastline. The Chinese military aims to improve its operational capability and conduct operations in distant areas. After exiting the EEZ, the carrier group conducted landing and take-off drills involving fighter jets and helicopters.
Japan had deployed a warship, Haguro, to monitor the situation. The area surrounding Minamitori island, located 1,900km south-east of Tokyo, is rich in rare metals and has been targeted by China’s naval activity. Japan has previously condemned similar incursions as “unacceptable” and voiced concerns to Beijing.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/09/chinese-aircraft-carrier-japan-exclusive-economic-zone-waters