A Chinese aircraft carrier has briefly entered Japan’s contiguous waters for the first time, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing unnamed defense sources.
The Liaoning sailed between the islands of Yonaguni and Iriomote in the southern Okinawa region, temporarily entering the “contiguous” zone adjacent to Japan’s territorial sea. Contiguous waters extend 12 nautical miles beyond territorial waters.
This incident follows a strong protest from Japan earlier this month after a Chinese naval ship entered its territorial waters.
Additionally, a Chinese naval formation led by the Liaoning also sailed through waters northeast of Taiwan on Wednesday and continued toward the southeast of Japan’s Yonaguni Island, as reported by Taiwan’s government.
Taiwan’s defense ministry stated that during this period, its armed forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly. This voyage occurred after a US aircraft flew through the Taiwan Strait, prompting the Chinese military to declare its readiness to “resolutely defend national sovereignty.”
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Beijing regards self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and claims jurisdiction over the strait separating the island from the mainland. The Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong have made several crossings through the Taiwan Strait in recent years, as Beijing has increased military and political pressure on Taiwan.
Taiwan’s military has reported near-daily sightings of Chinese aircraft, drones, and naval vessels around the island, with the defense ministry noting multiple Chinese military activities within a 24-hour window.
